13/02/2019

Other News In Brief

Two Meningitis Cases Confirmed At NI School

Two cases of meningitis have been confirmed at a primary school in Northern Ireland.

The Public Health Agency said that both families affected have received antibiotics, along with a number of children and staff at the school in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area.

A spokesperson said: "This has been done as a precautionary measure and there is no risk to the wider public. Antibiotics are offered only to those people who have had close and prolonged personal contact with patient/s.

"It is important that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease."

Meningococcal septicaemia is an acute and sudden onset infection of the bloodstream and subsequent vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) with the bacteria Neisseria meningitides.

Early symptoms may include: severe neck stiffness, dislike of bright lights, sudden onset of high fever, a severe and worsening headache, very cold hands and feet, a rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass (due to bleeding under the skin).

First Trust Banknotes To Be Taken Out Of Circulation

First Trust Bank has announced plans to gradually stop issuing its own banknotes.

The bank plans to switch to dispensing Bank of England notes from its ATM network.

The decision was a commercial one according to First Trust, and took into account the increasing use of mobile banking and digital payments.

The notes will remain as legal tender until June 30, 2022 and can be used as normal until then.

After that date, anyone still holding a First Trust banknote can exchange it for a Bank of England or other sterling note in any branch at no cost.

Arrangements are also in place for the exchange provisions to be made available at Post Office outlets.

Hannahstown Road In Lisburn Closed For £174K Development

The Hannahstown Road in Lisburn has closed for a road development scheme worth £174,000.

Work on the busy route commenced on Monday 11 February and will see closures between 8am and 6pm on weekdays.

The resurfacing and reconstruction scheme on the section between Rock Road and Y Bridge Road is expected to greatly improve the strength of the carriageway.

A diversion will be clearly signposted.



(JG/CM)


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