Coronavirus: ‘We need to see an increase in testing’ - Colr. Sandra Duffy

The Department of Health confirmed yesterday that as of 2pm on Tuesday, March 17, testing has resulted in 10 new positive cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland to 62.

A total of 1,338 tests have been completed in Northern Ireland, which has a population of over 1.8m people.

The local Sinn Féin health spokesperson said: “With Tuesdays announcement of a further ten cases of Coronavirus in the north it is clear we need a significant increase in testing to get a full assessment of the situation.

“The World Health Organisation have made it abundantly clear that testing is the only way to combat the spread of COVID-19 and many people are concerned that not enough testing is being carried out in the north.

“We need to see an increase in testing with more testing facilities available so that all suspected cases can be tested.”

Colr. Duffy added: “It is also vitally important that health and social care workers are tested as they are the essential frontline in helping to fight this pandemic.

“The World Health Organisation advice needs to be heeded and the health minister needs to respond by announcing more testing.”

The Department of Health said yesterday: “People with mild symptoms - new persistent cough and/or fever - should stay at home and self-isolate.

“They will not require testing and will not therefore be included in testing totals.”