Three new cases of Coronavirus in NI

Three more people in Northern Ireland have tested positive for Coronavirus, bringing the total here to 7.

All of the new cases are adults who recently travelled from Italy, and are linked to a previously confirmed patient.

In a statement the Department of Health said, “Further positive tests have been expected and the advice to the public remains unchanged. Northern Ireland is still in the containment phase.”

“The latest three cases are all adults who had recently travelled from Italy and are linked to a previously confirmed positive case.”

“Public Health Agency staff are working quickly to identify contacts the individuals may have had, with the objective of preventing further spread of the virus.”

Meanwhile, a number of local football clubs in Northern Ireland are taking precautions after a player for Portadown-based Hanover F.C. tested positive for Covid-19.

It'd understood the player found out his status after playing a match against Coagh United reserves yesterday.

The club released a statement on social media last night:

Coagh United then released a statement saying, "Today, a player from a visiting club played against our Reserves team at Coagh Sports Centre. At 7pm we were informed that a player from this visiting team had tested positive for Corona Virus. This has been confirmed."

"We have taken advice from the NHS and from the Mid Ulster Football League. Anyone that was playing in the Reserves match today must monitor themselves for the next 24 hours. If they feel that they have any symptoms of the Corona Virus, they should get tested immediately. "

"If anyone has been in the Social Club this evening for our darts competition; the advice is that you are at very low risk. However should you feel any symptoms over the next 24 hours, you should get tested. "

"We are sincerely sorry for this; this is something that is completely beyond our control. We will keep you updated with all information."

In light of the situation the Mid Ulster Football League is advising players not to shake hands after matches, and not to share water bottles.

A statement on Facebook said, "We would extend the MUFL circular quoted below of yesterday, Friday, to clubs to extend further precautions to training, meetings, social events, etc, as well as continuing for upcoming games. In general too, please be sensible and careful at all times, thank you."

"Following advice received, the League is now recommending to all teams to avoid the customary handshake before and after games. "

"We are also advising clubs to encourage players, coaches, etc, not to share water bottles, alternately bring their own bottled water for games."

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