DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has tested positive for Covid-19.
Announcing the news on Twitter, he said he had taken a PCR test when he returned to Northern Ireland from London on Friday evening after feeling a cold coming, which gave a positive result.
He said he had a sore throat, which he described as his «most troubling symptom».
He said in a tweet on Twitter: «When I got back from London on Friday evening, I felt a cold coming on but it was getting worse. The PCR test is now back positive.
“Close contacts will be notified. Fortunately, I received the booster dose two weeks ago. The importance of the vaccination cannot be overstated.”
I wish you a speedy recovery Jeffrey. takes care.
– Michelle O’Neill (@monillsf) December 21, 2021
He said he would still hold a virtual meeting with British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss this afternoon regarding the need to remove the Irish Sea border, which he said «reduces access to medicines».
Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill led the good wishes for Donaldson, responding to the tweet saying: «Wishing you a speedy recovery Jeffrey. Take care.»
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Democratic Party leader Colom Eastwood also wished Donaldson luck on Twitter, saying: «Take care of yourself, Jeffrey.»
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Doug Petty also added his best wishes for the festive season, writing: «Take care of yourself Jeffrey. Hope you can get some rest and a degree of Christmas festivities.»
There were 2,096 positive cases of the virus reported in Northern Ireland today, along with three additional Covid-related deaths. There are currently 268 patients in hospital with Covid in Northern Ireland, of whom 34 are in the intensive care unit.