Northern Ireland has recorded seven new cases of Covid-19 since Sunday, Stormont health minister Robin Swann said. Mr Swann said 88 intensive care unit (ICU) beds were available and there were plans to expand that to 126 adult beds. A total of 139 ventilators are available and Mr Swann asked if anyone in Northern Ireland could help produce more by "reprofiling" their manufacturing equipment. Forty new ventilators are to be ordered for Northern Ireland, 30 for adults and 10 for children, increasing the total to 179 by the end of the month. President and vice-chancellor Professor Ian Greer said: "As always, our first priority is to safeguard our students, staff and the general public."

Source: Irish Independent March 16, 2020 14:48 UTC