Case of coronavirus diagnosed in Northern Ireland

A case of coronavirus has been diagnosed in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency has confirmed to BBC News.

Chief medical officer Dr. Michael McBride said the adult had travelled from northern Italy via Dublin.

He said the patient had contacted a GP and had taken steps to self-isolate.

He said the patient had showed a presumptive positive result for Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus, and the diagnosis was being verified by laboratories in England.

"Our health service is well used to dealing with such infections and I want to reassure the public that we are prepared," Dr. McBride said.