First case of coronavirus confirmed in NI
Last updated 28th Feb 2020
The first case of Covid-19 has been identified in Northern Ireland.
The woman had returned from northern Italy, travelling from Dublin in the Republic of Ireland, chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said.
The individual followed advice in reporting concerns to a GP and "self isolated'' at home whilst awaiting the results of testing.
Those most at risk who were in close proximity are being traced and checked, Dr McBride added.
Infection control measures are "robust'', he added.
Dr McBride said: "The risk to the rest of the population is low.''
The positive result has been sent to Public Health England laboratories for verification.
A special unit has been established at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for isolating those suffering from the virus but the health authorities were unable to confirm where the individual is being treated.
Dozens of people have returned a negative result from testing in Northern Ireland.
Pupils from three schools in Northern Ireland were sent home as a precaution after visiting Italy.
Dr McBride added: "We have been planning for the first positive case in Northern Ireland and have made clear that it was a question of when not if.
"We have robust infection control measures in place which enable us to respond immediately.
"Our health service is used to managing infections and would assure the public that we are prepared.
"Our advice to the public remains the same.
"Members of the public who have visited affected regions and have symptoms are advised to self-isolate at home and contact their GP in the first instance.
"Advice will then be given on next steps, including testing if required.''
He said the patient was receiving specialist care.
"Public health staff are working rapidly to identify any contacts the patient has had with the aim of preventing further spread.''
He said the health service in Northern Ireland was well used to dealing with such infections and reassured the public about the state of preparedness.
"I can confirm that this is an adult who has indeed returned from northern Italy and has travelled from Dublin into Northern Ireland.
"This individual took that appropriate advice, made appropriate contact with a general practitioner and indeed has taken steps to self-isolate at home whilst awaiting the results of the test.''
He said the risk of transmission was high only in those people with close personal, face-to-face, contact or those within two metres of an individual for more than 15 minutes.
"The public should be reassured that those who have had casual passing contact need not have any concerns.''
Ireland's Health Minister, Simon Harris, said it was "not unexpected''.
The Republic's National Public Health Emergency Team has been planning for this scenario since January.
The minister said the public should continue to adhere to public health protocols issued by the Department of Health.
Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer in the Department of Health, said: "The Health Service Executive is well-prepared and is working to inform any contacts the patient had in order to prevent transmission.''
The new strain of coronavirus originated last year in Hubei province in China.
It produces flu-like symptoms.
China has seen thousands of infections and deaths.
It has spread to Italy, Germany and other European countries during a worldwide march also encompassing large parts of Asia and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, it is understood those in close contact with a woman diagnosed with Covid-19 have been traced and notified, health authorities in Ireland said.
She had flown from northern Italy to Dublin Airport before continuing her journey by land, reportedly using public transport.
It is understood she has been treated at home.
Irish health chief Dr John Cuddihy said: Each of the stages of this person's journey have been identified and all relevant contacts in all of those stages of transport have been contacted (and) traced.''
People who sat within two rows of the person on the plane from northern Italy to Dublin were contacted.
The woman followed advice in reporting concerns to a GP and self-isolated'' at home whilst awaiting the results of testing.
Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, and the head of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dr Cuddihy, held a news conference in Dublin to provide details of Ireland's preparedness.
Dr Holohan said they were depending on an individual with symptoms travelling back from an affected area identifying themselves, contacting the local health authorities, and that was what had happened in this particular case.
Public health protocols, similar to those used to respond to previous incidents of pandemic influenza, Sars and Mers, have been in place since January and are operating effectively, the officials added.
The positive result has been sent to Public Health England laboratories for verification.