Justice Minister Helen McEntee tests positive for Covid-19

JUSTICE Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed she has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Meath East TD who is expecting a baby next May has tweeted that she was recently tested and has received a positive result for Covid19.

"In line with our HSE guidance, I am isolating. I am continuing to carry out my duties by working remotely including attending Cabinet".

She also tweeted that the information the HSE has, shows that pregnant women or their babies are not at a higher risk if they get Covid19.

"At the same time I urge everyone to follow public health advice and stay at home. If you think you’re developing symptoms no matter how small, act as though you have Covid. We all know the seriousness of the situation. We must protect our health system and our most vulnerable.

The Minister announced the happy news of her pregnancy before Christmas.

She is the first Cabinet minister in the history of the State to be pregnant while in office.

It is the first baby for Minister McEntee and her husband Paul Hickey.

Ms McEntee was appointed to Cabinet last June. She was first elected to Dail Eireann in 2013 in a by-election following the untimely death of her father, Shane.