A Year Like No Other Life in the grip of a pandemic March 5, Front Page of Belfast Telegraph March 5, Front Page of Belfast Telegraph Dr Seamus O'Reilly The first case of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland was diagnosed on February 27. Just a few days later, journalists were invited to Antrim Area Hospital to view a drive-through coronavirus testing unit. However, what started out as a simple tour and an opportunity to meet some of the testing staff turned into a stand-out moment in what has become a year like no other. Dr Seamus O’Reilly, medical director of the Northern Trust, was present at the media briefing and spoke about the state of play as the health service braced itself for the onslaught of SARS-CoV-2.