New COVID-19 cases in NI could be proof of community transmission say authorities

The Publc Health Agency (PHA) is trying to ascertain if any of the nine people to test positive for COVID-19 contracted the deadly disease by way of community transmission.
Andrew Quinn
By Andrew Quinn
Published 13th Mar 2020, 15:46 BST
Updated 13th Mar 2020, 15:47 BST
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The total number of cases of Coronavirus COVID-19 in Northern Ireland is now at 29.

The majority of cases before Friday were traced back to northern Italy but the department said PHA it was currently working towards identifying if any of the nine new cases could be categorised as having been passed on via community transmission.

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"As of 2.00pm on Friday 13 March, testing has resulted in nine new positive cases bringing the total number of cases in Northern Ireland to 29," said the department.

There are currently 29 cases of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.There are currently 29 cases of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.
There are currently 29 cases of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.

"The Public Health Agency is currently establishing if any of the new cases fall into the category of community transmission.

"A total of 321 tests have been completed in Northern Ireland, in cases where people met the case definition for suspected coronavirus.

"A significant number of further tests have been carried out for surveillance and clinical purposes – for example, for patients in intensive care and other hospital settings with respiratory symptoms."

The total number of COVID-19 cases in UK is 798 with 10 people dying after testing positive.

Related topics:Covid-19Italy