Northern Ireland deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill tests positive for Covid

Northern Ireland deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill tests positive for Covid, despite having been fully vaccinated against the virus. O’Neill has confirmed that she is self-isolating.

The Sinn Fein vice-president took to Twitter and said: “I have contracted Covid-19,”

“I am thankful to have had two doses of the vaccine. I’ll remain in self-isolation, and hope to return to my public duties next week.

“Executive Office Minister Declan Kearney, will take forward Departmental business in the meantime.”

Many people took to Twitter and wished her well. One person said: “Is it me or does it seem a lot of people coming down with covid after being double jabbed”.

Another well-wisher said: “It’s worrying that so many people who have been fully vaccinated are getting sick with covid19. The thing is f**ked up. We have a major crisis on our hands”.

So far is not known whether the 44-year-old is experiencing symptoms due to the virus. At the moment Northern Ireland has the second-highest incident rate in the UK which comes in at 615.3 per 100,000 inhabitants.

According to O’Neill, Declan Kearney, executive office minister will hold the fort for her until she returns.

Sinn Fein have called for ongoing caution regarding the coronavirus pandemic while the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) and many business leaders have called for restrictions to end.

Eamon Ryan, the leader of the Green party has commented that “personal responsibility” will begin to replace restrictions, as they are eased over the next few months.

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