There was chaos in Washington late on Wednesday night as Taoiseach Micheál Martin tested positive for Covid-19.
Mr Martin was due to meet US President Joe Biden in the White House on Thursday for a bilateral meeting and for the shamrock ceremony.
It’s understood the Taoiseach is feeling well despite his positive Covid-19 test.
It emerged Mr Martin was positive late on Wednesday night at a gala event where up to 800 people were in attendance for the Ireland Funds gala.
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Mr Martin was due to accept an international leadership award but was whisked away shortly after President Biden welcomed him to the event which took place at the National Building Museum.
The full Irish delegation and media were required to have a Covid-19 test on Wednesday before travelling to the White House.
Mr Martin tested negative on his antigen test but a positive test was picked up from a member of his delegation.
Mr Martin subsequently tested positive on a PCR test. The news broke right before Mr Martin was due on stage to accept the award and give a speech.
However, the Irish ambassador to America, Dan Mulhall made the announcement that Mr Martin had to leave the premises.
Minutes beforehand, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi had welcomed Mr Martin, his wife Mary and eldest son Micheál Aodh.
But she said Mr Martin had to step away to take a phone call.
Mr Martin was seated beside Ms Pelosi for the gala event which raised $1 million for Irish charities.
It is now likely that the St Patrick’s Day event and the Taoiseach’s meeting with President Biden will be held virtually.
It’s understood the Taoiseach is staying at Blair House, as is required before meeting President Biden.
He will likely have to remain in Washington and isolate as per the Centre of Disease Control’s guidelines.
He will also likely miss the planned State commemoration day for those who lost their lives to Covid-19 on Sunday.
A spokesman for the Taoiseach said on Wednesday night that Mr Martin is “feeling well and is currently self isolating on public health advice.”
He said: “The Taoiseach tested positive this evening following a PCR test for Covid-19.
“He had earlier received a negative result during a scheduled Covid test for the travelling delegation on Wednesday afternoon.
“The Taoiseach had also received a negative PCR test result on Sunday, taken before travel to the US.
“However, a further test was carried out when one of the Taoiseach’s delegation received a positive test, which resulted in a later positive result for the Taoiseach.
“He is feeling well and is currently self isolating on public health advice.
“We are exploring alternatives to the in-person programme of events.”
