DUBLIN (Reuters) – The prevalence of the more contagious coronavirus virus first discovered in England has risen further in Ireland in recent days, accounting for almost half of the most recent sample-positive tests, said Prime Minister Michael Michal said.
Ireland’s 14 – day infection rate has risen tenfold in the last three weeks to 1,291 cases per 100,000, fueled by the new variant and the reopening of shops, restaurants and the relaxation of a ban on domestic visits before Christmas.
Martin said Ireland’s chief medical officer had told him that the new variant made up 45% of the most recent 92 samples as additional tests had been carried out, compared with 25% of those in the week to January 3 and 9% two weeks previously tested.
Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Edited by Hugh Lawson