LAST UPDATE | 17 Dec 2020

TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has tested negative for Covid-19 after receiving a second test since returning from Brussels last week. 

French President Emmanuel Macron has tested positive for the coronavirus and was the same European Council meeting with Martin last Thursday and Friday.

Martin’s negative test comes after a government spokesperson said earlier that the Taoiseach would be limiting his contacts and getting an “immediate” test following Macron’s confirmed infection.

Martin had already undergone a test on his return from Brussels and the result had been negative but a spokesperson said earlier that he would limit his contacts and get another test as a precaution.

It is believed that no other positive tests have emerged from those that attended the EU Council meeting. 

Macron will now, in accordance with national regulations in France, “self isolate for seven days”.

The French president is one of several heads of state and government around the world to have contracted Covid-19, including British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Donald Trump.

- With reporting by Rónán Duffy