by Q Radio News
The Department of Health has announced seven new positive cases of coronavirus in Northern Ireland.
It brings the total of confirmed cases to 52.
The total number of tests completed in Northern Ireland is 1,171.
A spokesperson at the Department says, "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."
Meanwhile, there are currently 169 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland to date.
The Health and Social Care Board says "timely discharge" from hospitals will be essential as cases escalate.
It's asked for the co-operation of patients and their families on discharge to help free beds.
A HSCB spokesperson has released the following statement:
- " If patients are deemed medically fit by the Consultant to go home, they and their families should ensure there are arrangements in place to be picked up promptly on the day of discharge. Ward staff can help you make these arrangements.
- If you are deemed medically fit by the Consultant to go home and are waiting on a residential placement, staff will allocate the first place that is available. This may not necessarily be your first choice but it is important to note that people can subsequently move to the home of their choice, once it becomes available.
- If you are deemed medically fit by the Consultant to go home, and there is a delay in sourcing new or additional home care, you may be discharged to await these elements of your care package. Additional family support may be required until the home care package is finalised.
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