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23rd Mar 2020

#Covid-19: Broadcaster Claire Byrne diagnosed with Covid-19

Cathy Donohue

Claire Byrne has been diagnosed with Covid-19.

The broadcaster confirmed the news this evening, stating that she has been working with the HSE contact tracing team over the weekend.

Ms Byrne also said that she is feeling well “and through the peak of the condition”.

RTÉ staff were told on Saturday that a case had been confirmed at the national broadcaster and Claire wanted to let her colleagues know “at the earliest opportunity”.

Similar to last week, tonight’s Claire Byrne Live will be co-presented by Sarah McInerney in studio, and Claire Byrne via live video link at 10.35pm on RTÉ One.

Last week, Claire told viewers that she was experiencing the symptoms of a cold and abiding by HSE guidelines, she was in self isolation which led to her broadcasting the show from her garden shed.


A number of guests will appear on tonight’s Claire Byrne Live, all speaking on various aspects of the coronavirus crisis.

Bressie will discuss the importance of being kind to each other during this global health crisis and how it can take a toll on our mental health.

Fair City actor Jim Bartley will chat about life in self-isolation while health professionals Dr Maitiu O’Tuathail and Professor Sam McConkey will guide people through the Covid-19 testing process.

Dancing with the Stars finalist Grainne Gallanagh is returning to her job as a nurse to help frontline services in the face of the escalating coronavirus outbreak, while Kathryn Thomas discusses the impacts of Covid-19 on business, and in particular, her own company, Pure Results Bootcamp.