Irish PM Leaves Biden Event After Testing COVID+

CNN reports:

Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, known as the Taoiseach, tested positive for Covid-19 Wednesday while attending a gala in Washington, DC, that had just been addressed by President Joe Biden.

Martin left the gathering for The Ireland Funds after his positive result was confirmed, according to PA Media, a UK-based news agency. Irish Ambassador to the US Daniel Mulhall announced the results to the room, a person who attended the dinner told CNN.

A White House official said Biden is not considered a close contact of Martin. The pair was set to hold a bilateral meeting at the White House on Thursday, but the official said the schedule will be changed.

The Independent reports:

Martin’s speech was instead given by Irish Ambassador to the US, Daniel Mulhall. “I know you will all join with me in wishing the Taoiseach a speedy recovery,” he told the audience in Washington.

It remains unclear how the White House St Patrick’s Day celebrations will now be handled. Early indications on Thursday suggested the event may take place virtually, but nothing has been confirmed.

It also casts doubt on whether the Taoiseach can return to Ireland for a national day of remembrance on Sunday to commemorate those who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Irish Taoiseach abruptly leaves DC gala attended by Biden after testing positive for Covid-19https://t.co/tNYnUsWigD

— Donie O’Sullivan (@donie) March 17, 2022

Taoiseach (Irish PM) Micheál Martin tests positive for Covid on the eve of St Patrick’s Day celebrations in White Househttps://t.co/LWO5ouioWV

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) March 17, 2022

The Taoiseach was already in attendance at the dinner this evening, and seated beside Nancy Pelosi before the result of his second Covid test came through.

His second test, PCR, was conducted after a member of his travelling party returned a positive antigen.@VirginMediaNews

— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) March 17, 2022