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Sweeping restrictions across the island as Ireland north and south fight to stem coronavirus

Ruth Burke (82) left. with her daughter Brenda Doherty
Ruth Burke (82) left. with her daughter Brenda Doherty Ruth Burke (82) left. with her daughter Brenda Doherty

THE taoiseach has unveiled stringent new measures bringing both parts of Ireland together in the fight against the coronavirus.

The sweeping restrictions announced yesterday mean north and south are both on effective lockdown – with schools closed and shops and pharmacies open for essential services only.

However there remained concerns for more than 30,000 cross-border workers who until now have had to work with two different sets of rules.

Sinn Féin's Órfhlaith Begley said they needed guidance and clarity on the emergency measures.

"These workers need clarity on how the new regulations, and any future moves which may be introduced by the Irish government, will apply to them," the West Tyrone MP said.

"There needs to be cooperation between ministers north and south to make sure these cross-border workers are not left in limbo and that they are given clear guidance during this emergency."

It came as a fifth person died yesterday in the north.

The Department of Health confirmed a patient, who was in their eighties and had underlying health conditions, died at Antrim Hospital.

To date there have been 172 confirmed cases, following 2,989 tests.

In the Republic, the death toll increased to seven and there were 204 new cases of Covid-19, bringing its total to 1,329.

The daughter of the fourth person, who died on yesterday morning, described her heartbreak at not being able to see her mother and kiss her goodbye.

Ruth Burke (82) passed away at Antrim Area Hospital.

Because coronavirus is so contagious, those who die must be placed in closed coffins.

Mrs Burke's daughter Brenda said the family did not want her simply to be remembered as a statistic and urged people to heed the calls to stay indoors.

"To those of you who out there are being so selfish in gathering in packs – wise up," she said.

Joan Fulton, the sister of coronavirus victim Billy Allan – a 67-year-old from Newtownards who had a heart condition – had a similar message.

"Stop thinking about you... but think about others. This disease will kill many, if you don't act properly – stay at home. That's a simple message," she told UTV.

Restrictions on movement across the north are expected to last longer than three weeks, the First Minister said.

Arlene Foster said a range of things would need to be reviewed after the initial period but she believed the measures would continue beyond Easter.

Police are also expected to step up patrols in the coming days to ensure restrictions are being adhered to.

Meanwhile, a former Cliftonville coach has spoken of his harrowing experience after contracting coronavirus.

Portadown man Harry Fay (57), who runs six miles twice a week, was told by medics his fitness "saved him" after he was admitted in a serious condition to hospital.