Daily coronavirus briefing: Department of Health announces 20 more cases in Northern Ireland

Follow the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in our live blog below

View email online

News   What's On   Lifestyle              Mar 23, 2020           Good evening,   Northern Ireland schools were a lot quieter than usual today as the government's closure scheme to help combat the spread of coronavirus came into force. It is a strange and uncertain time for all of us but the best we can do is each do our own little part by heeding the advice of the government and medical experts. One part we can all play is listen to the advice around social distancing. This really can make a difference and the more people abide by the advice then hopefully it will have the desired effect in slowing down the spread of the virus and the sooner this crisis will be over. The team at the News Letter continue to work hard to bring you all the facts as the epidemic continues.   Here are some of the day's main updates: The Department of Health revealed this afternoon that there are 20 more confirmed cases of coronavirus , bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland to 148. The number of tests completed in Northern Ireland is 2,692. Belfast medical professionals on the front line of the fight against COVID-19 have issued a heartfelt plea for the public to stay at home through the crisis. In an online video, which has been viewed 1.5 million times since it was posted on Sunday evening, doctors and physiotherapists from the Belfast Respiratory Team said their own lives will also be put at risk by irresponsible behaviour. You can find the government's full, detailed guidance on social distancing here The government's full list of people classed as 'extremely vulnerable', as well as guidance on shielding, can be found here           Coronavirus live blog: government thinking 'very actively' about introducing stricter social distancing measures           Follow the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in our live blog below                 Church's prayers are answered as their pastor is taken off ventilator   The prayers of a Co Down church have been answered after their Pastor - who had been fighting for his life - was taken off a ventilator as he recovers from the Coronavirus.           Coronavirus: Queen's University team gets £300,000 grant to find possible treatment   Researchers at Queen's University Belfast will be at the forefront of the battle to find a treatment for Covid-19.                 View more on Coronavirus

Please note Due to the unprecedented nature of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic we have launched this new daily newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest official information and advice. How to opt out of these emails We are sending these daily Coronavirus email bulletins in addition to our daily newsletter emails. If you would like to opt out of only these additional Public Interest emails, and continue to receive your regular daily newsletters, please click here.         You have received this email as you have an account on the Belfast News Letter, published by JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. To manage your individual newsletter preferences with the the Belfast News Letter, please click here and log in to your account.     Alternatively you can update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive from JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, or unsubscribe from all future emails.     JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 11499982, having its registered address at Third Floor, 1 King William Street, London, England, EC4N 7AF, United Kingdom. We will process your personal data in accordance with our privacy policy.