‘Like so many other people in Ireland’ Ryan Tubridy tests positive for Covid-19 virus

Ryan Tubridy has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus.

A statement released by RTÉ this evening reads:

"Like so many other people in Ireland, I tested positive but I was in the very fortunate position to have a very unintrusive experience, which I have now come to the end of".

The popular presenter said that he has been bowled over by the "extraordinary work of our frontline heroes". who continue to make the world a better place. The Late Late Show host is recovering at home and hopes to return to work soon. Oliver Callan will continue to present The Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio One over the coming days and plans for Friday night's episode of The Late Late Show will be announced in due course.

RTÉ has confirmed that presenter Ryan Tubridy tested positive for Covid-19. pic.twitter.com/HR5pIKbU9T

— RTÉ (@rte) March 30, 2020

Last Friday, Miriam O'Callaghan stepped in to present The Late Late Show in Ryan's absence, making history as the first woman to present the world's longest-running TV chat show. The episode paid tribute to front-line heroes across the country and it received a huge reaction. from viewers tuning in across the country.

"If you do as we are asking you now, stay at home for the next two weeks... you're going to save lives."

Minister for Health @SimonHarrisTD on the measures taken by the Government this evening to fight against COVID-19. #LateLate #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/RzSBgsscW7

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) March 27, 2020

RTÉ broadcaster Claire Byrne confirmed last week that she had tested positive for the virus although she continued to work, presenting The Claire Byrne Show from her garden shed. Newstalk's Ciara Kelly was also diagnosed with Covid-19 a couple of weeks ago and decided to present her lunchtime radio show from her hot press. At the time of writing, 46 people in the Republic of Ireland have died as a result of Covid-19. There are 2,615 confirmed cases at present but a further update is expected this evening at 7 pm.