At least three people in Fermanagh and Omagh have tested positive for Covid-19, The Impartial Reporter has learned.

It’s understood they were sent home from South West Acute Hospital to “self-isolate” in recent days, according to well-placed sources.

As of yesterday evening (Friday) no patients with suspected Covid-19 had been admitted to South West Acute Hospital, said our source, despite rumours circulating on social media in Fermanagh.

Health authorities have not provided any detail about these localised cases such as type of transmission or location.  

Another nine positive cases were detected in Northern Ireland on Friday, bringing the tally to 29. 

The first cases of community transmission of Covid-19 not linked to travel have been detected in Northern Ireland, health authorities said.

They recorded the biggest increase in numbers affected so far as the heads of Stormont’s devolved Government were at loggerheads over when to close schools to hinder its spread.

Health service activity will be “significantly curtailed” as doctors and nurses are marshalled to delay the spread of the infection, minister Robin Swann said.

Affected services will include non-urgent outpatient appointments, day cases, inpatient and diagnostic work.