Taoiseach Micheál Martin has tested positive for Covid-19 and his meeting with US President Joe Biden is now up in the air.
It’s understood Mr Martin tested negative on an antigen test after he was alerted that a member of his delegation had tested positive.
However, a follow up a PCR test came back positive for the Taoiseach, who is said to be feeling well.
It is not known yet if his visit to the White House will be cancelled now on St Patrick’s Day.
The White House has said President Joe Biden is not a close contact.
The announcement was made at the Ireland Funds Award on Wednesday night where the Taoiseach was due to receive a leadership award.
The Irish ambassador to America, Dan Mulhall made the announcement at the gala event.
Earlier, Mr Martin has said he is concerned about the rise in Covid-19 cases in Ireland and has urged people to take precautions on St Patrick’s Day.
It comes as the number of people in hospital is the highest since February last year.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror in Washington, Mr Martin said: “We are concerned with the increase in Covid cases.
“In respect of hospitals, my understanding is quite a number of those 50% are people who arrived at the hospital for other ailments but were diagnosed with Covid once inside.
“Because of isolation, it creates a real pressure on our hospitals, so that’s one aspect of that.”
Mr Martin said the numbers in ICU “are not rising as we speak” and said the Government has been in contact with Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan.
READ MORE: Surge in cases likely down to new variant after ominous Tony Holohan warning
READ MORE: Covid Ireland cases today as expert warns of ‘next phases’ and country braces for St Patrick’s surge
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