As cases of coronavirus in the North of Ireland increased, deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill commended health and social care workers who are the front line in the battle against COVID-19.
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has said health and social care workers are the front line in the battle against COVID-19.
Michelle O’Neill said: "I met with nurses and healthcare workers who are on the front line of the battle against COVID-19 to hear at first-hand their experiences and challenges that they are facing. Our health workers are doing an incredible job in the most challenging of circumstances to keep us all safe and they have my full admiration and support."
O'Neill added: "I also met with nurses’ representatives to discuss the concerns of healthcare staff at this time. In particular, many are concerned about the need to ramp up testing, so that more staff can continue to work, and the availability of basic personal protection equipment."
O'Neill assured health workers that Sinn Féin will do "everything it can to make sure that they have all the support they need as they work to protect us all. The safety and well-being of health workers is paramount if we are to get through the challenge that is tackling COVID-19."
There are 22 new, known cases of Covid-19 in the North of Ireland (as of 21 March), bringing the total number of known cases to 108. One person who tested positive for coronavirus has died.
The total number of tests completed is 2,186. Testing is to be stepped up with health minister Robin Swann saying earlier this week that some 800 tests would be carried out daily as the NHS prepares for a surge in cases.
