Variant Virus Strain Found In UK Is Circulating In Ireland - Expert Wed, 23rd Dec 2020 20:29 (Alliance News) - Preliminary analysis indicates the variant strain of Covid-19 detected in the UK is circulating in Ireland, an expert adviser to the government has said. The update from senior virologist Cillian De Gascun came amid warnings that coronavirus numbers in the country are now spiralling at similar rate as the height of the pandemic's first wave. The Covid crisis is escalating as Irish government ministers are restricting their movements after a Cabinet member tested positive for Covid-19. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue received a positive test result on Wednesday.