Alliance Party Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has welcomed confirmation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Chief Medical Officers of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The South Belfast MLA said: “It makes complete sense for both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland to align their approaches and messaging on Covid-19 as far as possible.

“We are finding consistently now that outcomes in both jurisdictions are much more aligned with each other than they are with anywhere else. Therefore it is particularly welcome that communication between and by the two Chief Medical Officers will be aligned as far as is at all possible.

“This is a global crisis which recognises no borders. It is essential that the public across the island of Ireland help slow and push back the spread of the new Coronavirus by regularly washing their hands, keeping their distance, and only leaving home when it is essential to do so.”