AN ELDERLY PATIENT has become the first person to die of Covid-19 in the North.

The Department of Health confirmed the news this morning, and noted that the patient who passed away was treated in a hospital in the greater Belfast area and had an underlying condition.

Health minister Robin Swann expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and said that it was essential that their privacy was respected at this time.

Stormont’s leaders First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill also expressed sympathy.

Foster said: “This is a sad day for Northern Ireland. Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the family and friends of the patient who has died. And we are immeasurably grateful to our health service staff who cared for this person.

“This is not unexpected news. We knew that this pandemic would inevitably cost precious lives. We cannot stop it. But it is incumbent on all of us to do whatever we can to slow its spread and shield those most vulnerable from the effects of this virus.”

O’Neill said that although authorities knew the day would come, it did not make it any less devastating for the loved ones of the individual concerned.

“This sad news brings home to us all why it is so important to take every step possible to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable,” she said.

“The social distancing measures we are urging everyone to take are not easy, but they are necessary. We all have a part to play in keeping people safe and ultimately saving lives.”