Northern Ireland has recorded the first death of a patient who had Covid-19

Northern Ireland has recorded the first death of a patient with coronavirus.

Stormont’s Department of Health said the patient, who died in hospital in the greater Belfast area, was elderly and had an underlying health condition.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann said:

"I want to express my deep sadness at this death and send my condolences to the patient’s family and friends. It is, of course, essential that we respect their privacy at this sad time.

!I would once again appeal to everyone to play their part in fighting the spread of this virus."

A total of 68 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in the North.

In the Irish Republic, 366 people have tested positive and two people have died.