The Chief Medical Officer and coalition party leaders are meeting this evening to discuss the spread of the new Omicron variant.
Ten possible samples of the variant in Ireland have been sent for genomic testing.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has been briefing the leaders of the three coalition parties and Health Minister Stephen Donnelly since about 4pm this evening.
NPHET is updating Government on the latest available data when it comes to the new Omicron variant.
Ten possible samples of the variant in Ireland have been sent for genomic testing.
Positive tests from people with a travel history over the past week were examined.
These tests were flagged as ones of potential concern, though results are not yet known.
They leaders are expected to discuss whether any further restrictions on travel into Ireland are required.
Ten possible cases of the Omicron variant in Ireland have been sent for full genome sequencing. They were selected from positive Covid tests as they show a thing called 'S-gene dropout' which is linked with variants, not all of which are Omicron
— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) November 29, 2021
However, it's likely any decisions to be made will be deferred to tomorrow's Cabinet meeting.