NI 'playing active role' in UK-wide coronavirus planning
Northern Ireland is "playing an active role" in UK-wide planning on coronavirus, the Health Department says.
Officials are also working closely with their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland, after cases were confirmed on both sides of the border.
A secondary school in the Republic has been closed after its pupils and teachers were confirmed as having been in contact with the patient.
In a statement on Sunday evening, the department said the UK's forthcoming action plan on coronavirus will apply to NI "as required".
They said: "As has been made clear, we are planning for the worst and working for the best."
The statement went on: "Northern Ireland is playing an active role in UK-wide planning on coronavirus.
"That includes participation in COBR meetings and other established protocols. The UK’s four chief medical officers are working closely together.
"Our primary focus remains on containment. All actions will continue to be based on the best scientific advice.
"[Health Minister Robin Swann] will provide updates to Executive colleagues and the Assembly on Monday."
The first confirmed case of coronavirus in the Republic of Ireland was announced on Saturday.
It came days after Northern Ireland’s first positive test - and there are now 35 confirmed cases across the whole of the UK.
The Republic's chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said the school will close for 14 days, during which all pupils and teachers are being asked to restrict their movements.
"Public health doctors are in direct contact with pupils, their parents and the staff involved," said Dr Holohan.
Ireland's Department of Education said it was available to assist the school in any way necessary.
Earlier, the deputy chief medical officer in the Republic of Ireland urged people not to panic about coronavirus.
Dr Ronan Glynn said the “complex” process of identifying those who had come into contact with the male patient living in the east of the Republic was underway.
He insisted the risk level posed by coronavirus remains low.
"We've had one case, there is no evidence of community transmission so far in Ireland,” he told RTÉ radio.
"It won't be surprising if we have more cases.
“But the confirmation of the case here, and the case in Northern Ireland in the past number of days, does not change our risk status and does not change our approach."
The patient, who self-identified his symptoms, is reportedly being treated in a Dublin hospital.
Like the woman who is being treated for coronavirus in Northern Ireland, he contracted it in an affected area in northern Italy.
The latest update from the Public Health Agency says 93 tests have been carried out here since testing began.
Deborah McAleese reports on the impact on tourism:
Political leaders from both sides of the border held talks on Saturday regarding coronavirus.
First Minister Arlene Foster, deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Health Minister Robin Swann were involved in the conference call with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Irish Health Minister Simon Harris.
Speaking afterwards, Robin Swann said: "We will continue to co-operate on contact tracing and other vital steps as we work relentlessly to mitigate the spread of Covid-19."
He added: "Positive test results had been anticipated on both sides of the border and we have repeatedly made clear it was a question of when, not if.
"I have full confidence in the expertise and commitment of our public health professionals and pay tribute to everyone working hard to contain the spread of this virus and keep us well."
Meanwhile, it has been announced that Northern Ireland now has full access to the NHS 111 helpline service on coronavirus.
“Callers should press 1 when they are advised,” the statement said.
“This service is provided in Northern Ireland solely for coronavirus guidance and not for other conditions.”