Simon Harris receives support from well-wishers after testing positive for Covid

Sharing an image of a positive antigen result on Instagram on Friday morning, the Higher Education Minister, and former health minister, admitted he was feeling “a bit rotten”.

He wrote: "Hi everyone. Woke up feeling a bit rotten today and took an antigen test. Unfortunately it is positive.

"Will be working away from home for next few days. Suggestions to occupy the time in isolation also welcome! Simon #covid19."

Mr Harris who helped lead the response to Covid-19 at the start of the pandemic, received a flood of well wishes after confirming the result.

Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway posted: “Take care Simon.”

“Take care Simon,” added Frances Fitzgerald.

“Get well soon,” one person suggested. “Books, Netflix (documentaries) and lots of tea and toast.”

“Suggestion is to have some rest and not to work,” one person said.

“The first four days aren’t nice but you’ll turn a corner then!” one person, who appeared to have also endured the experience, advised.

“The tiredness that comes with it is mad also! It’ll take its course! Mind yourself!”

It comes as President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina will no longer have to self-isolate from Friday after contracting the virus last week.

Aras an Uachtarain said in a statement that they were both displaying "mild Covid-19 symptoms" last Friday morning.

They took antigen tests which subsequently showed positive results and they have been self-isolating for the past week.

President Higgins continued to work from home while isolating.

A spokesperson said in a statement last Friday: "President and Sabina Higgins, having displayed mild Covid-19 symptoms this morning and having taken antigen tests that have tested positive, will be isolating for the next 7 days.

"The President while isolating is continuing to work from home."

President Higgins was due to attend an event in Ballymun on Friday morning before the positive Covid result.