PEOPLE are putting the response abilities of paramedics at risk by calling 999 for non-emergency coronavirus concerns.
The NI Ambulance Service has warned that an increase in unwarranted calls to the 999 line is hampering its crews carrying out vital work during the pandemic.
A spokesman urged people to use the NHS 111 helpline for calls regarding early Covid-19 symptoms, and leave 999 for genuine emergencies.
"There continue to be an increasing number of calls at which ambulance crews report that they arrive to find that the true nature of the call is early symptoms of coronavirus - either a temperature and/or a new and continuous cough and that what is being sought mostly is reassurance about whether or not the patient has the coronavirus," he said.
"NIAS crews cannot carry out a test to determine this. Public Health Agency Advice has been clear - if you, or anyone in a household, has a high temperature or a new continuous cough everyone in your house must stay at home and follow advice on how to isolate at home."
Following the guidelines will allow paramedics to "respond to the seriously ill in our communities", the spokesman said.
