Northern Ireland has recorded its first death as a result of the coronavirus.
The person was elderly with an underlying medical condition and was admitted to a hospital in the greater Belfast area.
The elderly person was among the 68 people who have so far been confirmed as having Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.
Health minister Robin Swann said he wanted to express his ‘deep sadness at this death and send my condolences to the patient’s family and friends.’
“It is, of course, essential that we respect their privacy at this sad time.
“I would once again appeal to everyone to play their part in fighting the spread of this virus,” he added.
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Our thoughts & prayers are with the family & friends of the patient who has died.
This is not unexpected news. We knew this pandemic would cost precious lives. We cannot stop it. But it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever we can to slow its spread & shield most vulnerable. https://t.co/PxxnDEHRts— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) March 19, 2020