Patient in Belfast tests negative for coronavirus

A patient who was been treated in Northern Ireland for suspected coronavirus has tested negative for the condition, it has emerged.

It is understood, the man had arrived from the Wuhan region of China where an outbreak of the infection has led to a number of deaths.

He had been admitted to the Royal Hospital in Belfast.

But in a statement, the Department of Health confirmed his tests had come back negative.

It said officials would continue to monitor the situation.

Chief medical officer Michael McBride said: "I am being kept fully informed about the steps being taken to protect the public by the Public Health Agency and I am providing the (health) minister with updates".

• coronavirus