Northern Ireland confirms its First case of Coronavirus bringing the UK total to 16

Northern Irelands Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael McBride said an adult had shown a presumptive positive result for the Coronavirus, the diagnosis was being verified by laboratories in England.

The patient had recently travelled from northern Italy via Dublin, officials said at a briefing in Belfast, it is understood the woman was travelling with a child.

No further details have been released as yet but it is thought on their return from Italy the woman contacted a GP after putting herself and the child into self-isolation when suspicions arose.

The Public Health Agency said it was ‘working rapidly’ to identify anyone the patient came into contact with to prevent a further spread. Dr. McBridge added: ‘Our health service is well used to dealing with such infections and I want to reassure the public that we are prepared.