There have been five deaths as a a result of the coronavirus Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.
The Department of Health has confirmed the news this evening. The total number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland is 172.
A woman in her eighties who had underlying health conditions sadly died at Antrim Hospital.
Her daughter Brenda Doherty paid tribute to her mum.
This is the saddest of times as a family we are devastated and heartbroken ?????
Posted by Brenda Doherty on Tuesday, 24 March 2020
Social distancing will help reduce the transmission of coronavirus by reducing the social interaction between people.
You should:
- Avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus – these symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough;
- avoid non-essential use of public transport, varying your travel times to avoid rush hour, when possible
- work from home, where possible – your employer should support you to do this.
- avoid large gatherings, and gatherings in smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
- avoid gatherings with friends and family – keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet, and social media
- use telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services.
Everyone should be trying to follow these measures as much as possible.