A second and third person have tested positive for Coronavirus in Northern Ireland, it has been confirmed.
The cases are not connected. One recently returned from Northern Italy. The second had contact with a person elsewhere in the UK who tested positive for COVID-19.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "Testing of patients in Northern Ireland has resulted in two further presumptive positive results for coronavirus (Covid-19), bringing the total to three since testing began.
"In line with established protocols, these Northern Ireland test outcomes have been sent to Public Health England laboratories for verification.
"The two cases are not connected. One individual recently travelled from Northern Italy. The other had recent contact with a person elsewhere in the UK who has subsequently tested positive for Covid-19."
Both patients are adults and are receiving appropriate care. Public Health Agency personnel are working rapidly to identify contacts they may have had, with the aim of preventing further spread.”
The Department of Health is holding a media briefing this afternoon. The Health Minister and Chief Medical Officer were both present at the press conference on Wednesday.
It comes after a second person tested positive in the Republic of Ireland yesterday. Today it was confirmed that the number of cases in the UK had jumped 34 in a day.
