By Q Radio News
A man who was being treated for suspected Coronavirus in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital has been given the all clear.
The patient - who is understood to have been isolated by medics after travelling from the epicentre of the outbreak in China - has tested negative for the virus.
The Department of Health confirmed there was no detection of '2019 nCov' in a statement issued late last night.
"Currently there are no confirmed cases in the UK, and the risk to the public remains low," it added.
"Along with the World Health Organisation we are working across the UK and the international community to closely monitor the situation.
Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride he is also paying careful attention.
“I am being kept fully informed about the steps being taken to protect the public by the Public Health Agency and I am providing the Minister with regular updates,” he said.
The Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland said it is continuing to monitor the spread as it anticipates cases are likely to emerge here "in due course".
Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Health Protection, insists robust measures are in place to contain the virus which has so far claimed 41 lives and spread to several countries.
Over 1,200 cases have now been confirmed in China where many events to celebrate the Lunar New Year have been cancelled.
Three cases have been confirmed in France and a number of suspected cases are being investigated in the UK where government officials are trying to trace around 2,000 people who have recently flown from China's Hubei province.
Australia has confirmed its first case, joining a handful of other countries treating patients.
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