The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has left a summit of EU leaders, after one of her staff tested positive for COVID-19.
Ms von der Leyen tested negative, but left the meeting as a precaution to go into self-isolation.
I have just been informed that a member of my front office has tested positive to COVID-19 this morning. I myself have tested negative.
However as a precaution I am immediately leaving the European Council to go into self-isolation.— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 15, 2020
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is among the leaders in Brussels for the two-day summit, where an update on post Brexit trade talks with Britain is being delivered.
Speaking just before the meeting got underway today, Ms von der Leyen said progress had been made in talks with the UK.
However, she said two key issues have yet to be resolved.
She said: "There's the question of the fisheries - a crucial question for thousands of fishermen and fisherwomen.
"The second topic is the question of a level playing field, which is crucial. It's a question of fairness for our companies and businesses in the European Union."
Arriving at the meeting, Mr Martin acknowledged there are still key stumbling blocks that need to be addressed to reach a Brexit deal.
He said: "Fisheries [is] very important to us in Ireland - that our coastal communities are protected in an overall deal on Brexit, through a sensible and fair fisheries deal."
A spokesperson for the European Council President Charles Michel today said the UK is being invited to continue talks beyond the current deadline in a bid to reach a deal before the Brexit transition period ends on December 31st.
