A person has been “isolated” at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast while they undergo tests for deadly Coronavirus, it has emerged.
Details are unclear and the Belfast Trust has declined to comment, but it is understood the patient and medics are awaiting test results after the patient showed symptoms associated with the virus, Belfast Live reports.
It is understood medical professionals working with the patient expect the results of the test to be negative, however they have taken precautions - including isolation - while they await confirmation.
Coronavirus has claimed 25 lives so far and cases are starting to be reported in the UK, while a case in the US is also being investigated. It's thought the disease originated in the Wuhan area of China.
The HSE has said there are no confirmed cases as of yet in the Republic of Ireland.
The UK's Public Health Agency said in a statement that they are “keeping abreast of the changing situation around the Wuhan novel Coronavirus, and is liaising with partners across the UK including Public Health England and our local Health Trusts on this issue”.
They added: “As part of this, the health service here is monitoring for any potential cases of Wuhan novel Coronavirus.
"Currently no cases have been diagnosed in Northern Ireland.
“The risk to the UK population has been assessed as low.
"The risk to visitors to Wuhan is moderate, reflecting an increase in the number of cases being identified in China and evidence that the virus has limited spread from person to person.
"Individuals should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days of visiting Wuhan, either in China or on their return to the UK.
"They should phone ahead before attending any health services and mention their recent travel to the city.”
