Health service under growing pressure as virus spreads

Two new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing the total to 20.

The Department of Health said both cases are adults and secondary transmissions.

One case involved recent travel from Italy and the other can be traced to a previously reported case in the UK.

The department said as of 2pm today (Thursday) there had been 279 tests, of which 259 were negative.

The Department for Health has warned that health and social care services are coming under growing pressure due to the increase in cases of coronavirus.

A spokesman for the Department said, “We expect normal business will not be possible as we move into the next phase of this pandemic.

“Unfortunately, that may include some restrictions on visits to hospitals, care homes and other care settings.

“It is important to emphasise that there is no blanket ban on visits to hospitals or other care settings at this stage.

“It is fully accepted that for many families and patients, visits are essential and important to patient wellbeing.

“Given the particular risks from coronavirus, hospitals and other providers have to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of patients and staff.

“People with underlying health problems are at particular risk, which is why hospital environments and care homes need to take particular care.”

Everyone is therefore asked to follow some basic common sense guidelines –

• Do not visit if you are unwell yourself.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after visiting and use the hand sanitiser gel provided.
• Ask yourself if your visit is essential.  
• One adult visitor per day only, unless in exceptional circumstances and following discussion with the ward sister or equivalent.
• Attend outpatients either alone or only accompanied by one adult.
• Check in advance and follow any localised arrangements which hospitals and other care settings have put in place.