No cases of coronavirus in NI as 21 tests carried out

A total of 21 tests for coronavirus have been carried out in Northern Ireland, but none of them have returned a positive result.

The Public Health Agency gave the updated figures in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

It said the health service in Northern Ireland “continues to put in place comprehensive arrangements for dealing with the threat”.

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So far a total of eight patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus, out of a total of 1,758 test which have been carried out.

The total number of cases is around 45,000 globally.

The PHA statement added that the Belfast Trust’s regional viral laboratory is now one of 12 centres across the UK which are testing for coronavirus.

Previously, all samples taken from patients in NI were sent to England for testing, but the PHA hopes “the new local facility will speed up results”.

The agency said it is continuing to work with its partners across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Earlier this week, the UK Government announced new powers in England to keep people in quarantine to stop the virus spreading.

Northern Ireland’s Health Department says it would be “a matter for the Executive to consider if they wish to introduce similar regulations here”.

A spokesperson added: “The department is keeping the situation in Northern Ireland under constant review.”