First person from Northern Ireland dies from Coronavirus COVID-19

County Tyrone man, Leonard Gibson, 78, passed away on Tuesday in the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.

Separately, the Department for Health in Northern Ireland confirmed on Thursday morning that an elderly patient who tested positive for COVID-19 had passed away in a hospital in the greater Belfast area.

Mr. Gibson was born in Co. Tyrone but moved to England when he was 26.

In recent years, Mr. Gibson moved back home to Northern Ireland but two years ago he moved back to Sheffield to be closer to his two daughters, Lisa and Michelle.

A grandfather of four, Mr. Gibson had been living in sheltered accommodation in Sheffield.

Mr. Gibson had been prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection a few days before he was admitted to hospital on Saturday March 14.

“Our dad had COPD so when he started with a cough and breathing difficulties it was diagnosed as a chest infection at first because they were common symptoms of his health condition, and that is where the problem lies,” said Mr. Gibson’s heartbroken daughter Lisa.

“These coronavirus symptoms are going hidden because people are not suggesting coronavirus as they don’t think it will happen to them – but it can and it will unless more people start to demand to be tested.

“Don’t think you are being over dramatic by suggesting it as a possibility because ignoring it can prove fatal,” warned Lisa.

Lisa urged everyone with sick relatives to take COVID-19 seriously.

“If anyone has elderly or ill relatives please take any advice you get seriously and take care of each other. Notice the symptoms and take action.

“Nobody knows how this is going to end, but it is here now and it is claiming lives.

“I think everyone is waiting for official Government advice to tell us what to do and people are frightened of staying at home for fear of losing their jobs but health has to come first and we all need to do everything we can to keep each other safe.”

Lisa said her father would be remembered by his friends and neighbours as “a jolly Irish man who made everyone smile”.

Mr. Gibson’s other daughter Michelle said: “We are heartbroken and pray no one has to endure what we have over the last few days.

“We have no way of knowing how or when he contracted it.”

The family is self-isolating as a precaution.