As many as 9,000 people could die in NI from COVID-19 - Robin Swann

Health Minister, Robin Swann, has stated that as many as 9,000 people could die in Northern Ireland from the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Published 19th Mar 2020, 17:52 BST

Updated 19th Mar 2020, 18:08 BST

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Minister Swann made the comments at a press conference in Stormont on Thursday evening.

Asked how many deaths could potentially come from coronavirus in Northern Ireland, Mr Swann said it could be as many as 9,000.

Mr. Swann did however stress that Northern Ireland was being sensible by preparing for the worst case scenario but hoping for the best.

There are currently 77 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland - the first COVID-19 death was recorded in Northern Ireland on Thursday.

The patient died in a hospital in greater Belfast and was described as being elderly and having underlying health issues.