12 people have so far tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland. Picture by Hugh Russell

A STAFF member based at a laboratory at Northern Ireland's biggest hospital has tested positive for coronavirus.

The Irish News has learned that the man, who is a non-clinical employee working in a unit on the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) site in Belfast, received the diagnosis at the weekend.

He is also a non-playing member of St Gall's GAA club in west Belfast, which yesterday confirmed it had closed its clubhouse for three days for a "deep clean".

It is understood the man had returned from a skiing holiday in Italy two weekends ago and was in work last week.

Sources said there was concern among colleagues who worked alongside the individual and "confusion" over who should self-isolate.

At least one senior member was self-isolating at home.

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There were also fears about the impact on 'turnaround times' for testing patient samples if more laboratory staff have to self-quarantine.

The Deputy First Minister & I have decided not to travel to Washington for the St Patrick’s Day receptions. Whilst it is an enormous opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland in DC, our priority is dealing with the spread of Coronavirus. We will attend the cobra meeting tomorrow. — Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) March 10, 2020

The Belfast health trust said it was unable to comment on whether a staff member had tested positive for Covid-19 due to privacy issues.

It also could not provide any information on whether there had been a deep clean of the laboratory and surrounding areas.

When asked by The Irish News if trust management had issued specific guidance to staff around self -isolation, a spokesman said the query was a matter for the Public Health Agency (PHA).

Meanwhile, Michael Culbert of St Gall's GAC confirmed it was officially notified yesterday morning about a member testing positive.

He stressed the man "did not play for the club" and it had acted immediately by closing its social club, located on Milltown Row off the Falls Road.

It is understood the member went for a drink in the club after returning from Italy but had not attended any matches.

"We took all the proper precautions and carried out a deep clean. We understand the PHA has been in contact with those who were directly in contact with the person," Mr Culbert said.

"The club has cancelled its training while a deep clean is carried out in the club. It will be closed for the next three days."

The Irish News asked the PHA what advice it had issued to staff members working at the RVH who were in contact with the confirmed Covid-19 case.

A spokeswoman said it does not comment on individual cases of those who have tested positive.

She added: "The PHA has a process of undertaking contact tracing when people have tested positive for COVID-19. The agency identifies those most at risk from contact with a person with the condition to enable them to take appropriate action, which may include advice to self-isolate if required.

"Regular contact is kept with those at higher risk and if they experience any symptoms, appropriate medical intervention will take place. Anyone who has not been identified as part of a contact tracing process can go about their daily business as normal and therefore do not require any specific advice.

"However, the PHA would encourage all members of the public to make themselves familiar with the guidance on COVID-19 at www.pha.site/coronavirus."

Meanwhile, the BBC yesterday reported that the Mater Hospital in north Belfast has identified a number of wards to enable them to treat seriously ill coronavirus patients as part of "surge planning" to tackle the outbreak,

It is understood the Mater will be used to facilitate patients in the event of the RVH not having enough capacity.