Swann warns of 'hysteria' surrounding coronavirus
Northern Ireland's health minister has warned of the risks stemming from "undue panic or hysteria" in reaction to the outbreak of coronavirus.
Robin Swann said it is vital to keep a "balanced, proportionate approach" to dealing with the possibility of coronavirus spreading in Northern Ireland.
He confirmed to the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday that 150 people have been tested for the disease to date, with one testing positive last week.
The Ulster Unionist said that the woman has been receiving appropriate specialist health care since their diagnosis was confirmed last Thursday.
He said that Northern Ireland has planned for worst case scenarios, adding that Stormont has also contributed to a UK-wide action plan due to be published on Tuesday.
He told the Assembly: "It is vital that we keep taking a balanced, proportionate approach at all times - with our actions based on the best scientific advice.
"Complacency is our enemy - but so too are panic and hysteria.
"As we've said, we will continue to prepare for all eventualities.
"It is normal practice to plan for worst case scenarios. This does not mean these outcomes are expected or likely. This is a really important point to underline.
"Our primary focus remains on containment at this time and then to delay and mitigate.
"There are risks for society in taking premature actions - actions not grounded in scientific advice.
"We have already heard fears being voiced about our economy and jobs, including in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
"Obviously, public health protection must come first. I'm sure all members would agree on that.
"However, premature actions in the current situation could also have impacts on our health. I'm thinking of the risks from undue panic or hysteria, and also of social isolation as a result of social distancing."
He said that the Public Health Agency have been publishing the number of tests on a weekly basis.
However, this is now changing to twice weekly updates following lat week's development as well as the first confirmed coronavirus case in the Republic at the weekend.
He said that the woman diagnosed with Covid-19 in Northern Ireland followed public health advice and had self-isolated before seeking medical attention.
"I am sure Members will join me in wishing them a speedy recovery," Mr Swann added.
The SDLP's Justin McNulty queried whether Northern Ireland has access to a suitable amount of coronavirus testing kits.
Mr Swann said: "At present in Northern Ireland we can carry out about 32 tests per day."
He added he wants to increase this so that several hundred tests can be completed per day.
Mr Swann also told Alliance Party MLA Paula Bradshaw that there is a plan in place to deal with an increase in cases.
"As coronovirus and cases expand we have the capacity in the system to manage those," he added.
"It may result in us having to scale other services in the NHS back. I don't want to make people concerned that it will bring the NHS to its knees, it won't."
The Minister was also present for the emergency Cobra meeting on the coronavirus, alongside the First and Deputy First Ministers.
After attending the emergency Cobra meeting, Arlene Foster tweeted: "Was a useful discussion on covid-19 with @10DowningStreet and colleagues from across the UK regions to discuss current situation. Reassured that procedures are robust and system is prepared. Preparedness and vigilance are key."
It comes as Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald announced she has postponed meetings and is staying at home after she revealed her children go to the school in Ireland where a coronavirus case was confirmed.
In a video message posted on Sinn Fein's Twitter account, Ms McDonald said it is a "worrying time" for families and staff at the school.
She added that she had cancelled planned public meetings in Cavan and Galway this week as a result.
"My children's school is closed for the next fortnight because of a confirmed case of the coronavirus," she said in the video message.
"We're following all of the chief medical officer's advice and therefore the children have to be at home for the next 14 days.
"This is a worrying time for families and for the staff at the school, particularly for the family of the person affected, and we wish them a very, very speedy recovery.
"Remember to follow all of the advice, to listen to the medical advice and to wash your hands with warm, soapy water and to wash them again, to take care of yourselves and take care of each other."
On Monday, Ireland's chief medical officer defended the decision to close the secondary school after it was confirmed a student was diagnosed with coronavirus at the weekend.
Tony Holohan said the move to shut the school for two weeks was a "proportionate measure".
Dr Holohan also said he believes the risk of the infection spreading in Ireland is still low.
It was confirmed on Saturday night that the male student contracted the virus in one of the affected areas of northern Italy.
The school has been closed for 14 days from Monday, during which all pupils and teachers are being asked to restrict their movements.
Our correspondent Jane Loughrey has this report:
As the impact of coronavirus continues to grow, Ryanair has announced they are halting flights, becoming the latest airline to cancel flights due to a drop in demand caused by Covid-19.
The Dublin-based carrier said it is reducing frequencies on some routes by up to 25%, which will particularly affect its flights to and from Italy.
The reduced schedule will operate from March 17 until April 8 following a "significant drop in bookings" over the period, according to the carrier.
This follows flight cancellations by a number of carriers, including British Airways and easyJet.
Ryanair said it is taking a series of measures in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
These include "rolling schedule cuts", allocating leave or paid leave to pilots and cabin crew, working with suppliers to cut costs and freezing recruitment, promotion and pay across its network.
Our correspondent Sharon O'Neill has been looking at the impact of coronavirus on our tourism industry: