Fourth confirmed case of coronavirus in Northern Ireland
The Department of Health has confirmed that testing of patients has resulted in one new positive result for Covid-19, bringing the total number of cases in Northern Ireland to four.
Meanwhile in the Republic, health officials on Friday evening confirmed a further five cases of coronavirus, bringing the total there up to 18.
In line with established protocols, the Northern Ireland test result has been sent to Public Health England laboratories for verification.
The Department confirmed that the individual is an adult who had recently travelled from Italy and is linked to a previously confirmed positive case.
The Public Health Agency say staff are working swiftly to identify contacts the individual may have had, with the objective of preventing further spread of the virus.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: “Further positive cases have been expected and we anticipate the number will increase in the days and weeks ahead.
“Northern Ireland remains in the containment phase and it is important to emphasise that. This will obviously be kept under constant review.
“As has previously been stated, there will not be a sharp transition between containment and delay phases. Many of the actions taken during containment will still continue in any delay phase. Responses may vary between different regions, depending on the circumstances.
“I would again urge everyone to continue doing everything they can to prevent the spread of the virus.
"All our citizens can play their part in protecting themselves and others."