THREE amateur football teams have been caught up in a coronavirus alert after it emerged a player had tested positive.
Eight more cases of the virus were confirmed in Northern Ireland over the weekend, bringing the total so far to 12.
The latest cases bring the UK total to 278.
Five of the eight cases were confirmed last night. A statement on the Department of Health's website said: "Testing of patients in Northern Ireland has resulted in five new presumptive positive results for coronavirus (Covid-19) bringing the total to 12 since testing began.
"Contact tracing from these five cases is being conducted by Public Health Agency staff.
"A more detailed update will be provided on the situation tomorrow, when this contact tracing work is at a more advanced stage."
Around 16 million people in Italy - more than a quarter of the population - have now been placed under lockdown as the government desperately tries to halt the spread of Covid-19.
Supermarkets have begun rationing some essential household items to prevent customers stockpiling.
A further two cases were also announced in the Republic last night. Both were 'community transmissions' and did not involve people who had visited at-risk areas
Hanover FC in Portadown revealed on Saturday that one of its players tested positive after playing in a reserve match against Coagh United at Coagh Sports Centre in Co Tyrone.
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The club said it had "no knowledge of the testing" prior to the confirmation at 6.30pm that day and "immediately took all precautionary measures by contacting Hanover players, the opposing club along with MUFL (Mid Ulster Football League) and liaising with NHS via their helpline for advice which has now been passed on to all in question".
"We also immediately cancelled a planned function and have arranged for a deep clean."
Coagh United FC said anyone playing in the game should monitor themselves for the next 24 hours.
"If they feel that they have any symptoms of the coronavirus, they should get tested immediately.
"If anyone has been in the social club this evening for our darts competition; the advice is that you are at very low risk. However should you feel any symptoms over the next 24 hours, you should get tested."
Glenavy-based Crewe United FC, which played Hanover's first team on Saturday, also revealed that that its senior teams have been stood down from football activities "arising from a confirmed case of coronavirus in an opposition team".
The Mid Ulster Football League said as a precaution the clubs' fixtures had been postponed for two weeks and they have also been asked to cancel training.
Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart wished the footballer involved a speedy recovery and praised Hanover FC for its "swift actions and openness on this sensitive matter".
