Menu
10/03/2020
Coronavirus Closes Schools & Belfast Call Centre
The coronavirus outbreak has caused the temporary closure of two schools and a Halifax call centre.
The business in the Belfast Gasworks area closed for deep cleaning today, Tuesday 10 March, after a colleague was diagnosed with Covid-19.
It's understood employees have been told not to attend work at the south Belfast site.
Meanwhile, two schools in Northern Ireland have closed their doors after a young person tested positive for the virus. Health Minister Robin Swann said the individual had been in contact with someone who had recently travelled to northern Italy.
Newtownhamilton High and Primary School have cancelled classes in a precautionary measure to allow for an "enhanced clean of the premises".
The schools are expected to remain closed for the rest of this week.
Health Minister Robin Swann confirmed on Monday that 222 tests have been completed in Northern Ireland, 12 of which have returned positive results.
The latest five cases were announced on Sunday evening, two of which refer to individuals who recently travelled to northern Italy. The three other individuals have been linked to cases where the patient had travelled to the affected region, which is now on complete lockdown.
"The increase in positive cases is not unexpected and I would advise members of the public not to be unduly alarmed by these developments," Minister Swann said.
"We remain focused on the containment phase at this point, which is aimed at preventing the disease from taking hold in the UK."
Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor said the school closures will protect the welfare of staff and pupils.
"I have spoken to the Principals of Newtownhamilton High School and Newtownhamilton Primary School following confirmation that a high school pupil has been diagnosed with coronavirus. The decision to close both schools has been taken as a precautionary measure following discussions with the Public Health Agency, Department of Education & Education Authority.
"I want to assure the local community that all measures have been taken to protect the welfare of staff and pupils. I also appeal to everyone to follow any advice offered in terms of simple steps that should be taken to protect themselves to assist in containing the spread of the virus."
A west Belfast GAA club also revealed that one of its members has tested positive for the coronavirus strain.
Naomh Gall says the adult recently returned from a holiday. A deep clean of their clubhouse is underway.
All training games have been cancelled this week.
(JG/CM)
The business in the Belfast Gasworks area closed for deep cleaning today, Tuesday 10 March, after a colleague was diagnosed with Covid-19.
It's understood employees have been told not to attend work at the south Belfast site.
Meanwhile, two schools in Northern Ireland have closed their doors after a young person tested positive for the virus. Health Minister Robin Swann said the individual had been in contact with someone who had recently travelled to northern Italy.
Newtownhamilton High and Primary School have cancelled classes in a precautionary measure to allow for an "enhanced clean of the premises".
The schools are expected to remain closed for the rest of this week.
Health Minister Robin Swann confirmed on Monday that 222 tests have been completed in Northern Ireland, 12 of which have returned positive results.
The latest five cases were announced on Sunday evening, two of which refer to individuals who recently travelled to northern Italy. The three other individuals have been linked to cases where the patient had travelled to the affected region, which is now on complete lockdown.
"The increase in positive cases is not unexpected and I would advise members of the public not to be unduly alarmed by these developments," Minister Swann said.
"We remain focused on the containment phase at this point, which is aimed at preventing the disease from taking hold in the UK."
Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor said the school closures will protect the welfare of staff and pupils.
"I have spoken to the Principals of Newtownhamilton High School and Newtownhamilton Primary School following confirmation that a high school pupil has been diagnosed with coronavirus. The decision to close both schools has been taken as a precautionary measure following discussions with the Public Health Agency, Department of Education & Education Authority.
"I want to assure the local community that all measures have been taken to protect the welfare of staff and pupils. I also appeal to everyone to follow any advice offered in terms of simple steps that should be taken to protect themselves to assist in containing the spread of the virus."
A west Belfast GAA club also revealed that one of its members has tested positive for the coronavirus strain.
Naomh Gall says the adult recently returned from a holiday. A deep clean of their clubhouse is underway.
All training games have been cancelled this week.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2016
Number Of NI Primary Schools Receive Further 'Malicious Calls'
A number of primary schools in Northern Ireland have received further "malicious calls". Pupils and staff at Kilmaine Primary school in Bangor, Co Down, were evacuated and other schools have also been affected.
Number Of NI Primary Schools Receive Further 'Malicious Calls'
A number of primary schools in Northern Ireland have received further "malicious calls". Pupils and staff at Kilmaine Primary school in Bangor, Co Down, were evacuated and other schools have also been affected.
11 February 2022
£2m Schools Outdoor Learning Project Announced
Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced an investment of almost £2 million in a new Outdoor Learning Project for pre-schools, nursery and primary schools.
£2m Schools Outdoor Learning Project Announced
Education Minister, Michelle McIlveen, has announced an investment of almost £2 million in a new Outdoor Learning Project for pre-schools, nursery and primary schools.
29 July 2008
NI School Milk Returns
In a very timely move, the European Union's School Milk Scheme - which currently operates only in nursery and primary schools - will in future be offered also to secondary schools across Northern Ireland.
NI School Milk Returns
In a very timely move, the European Union's School Milk Scheme - which currently operates only in nursery and primary schools - will in future be offered also to secondary schools across Northern Ireland.
07 September 2005
Post-primary schools in specialist pilot scheme
All post-primary schools have been asked to express their interest in being considered for a Specialist Schools Pilot. The Pilot will involve approximately 10 post-primary schools as well as testing the concept of specialist schools in a Northern Ireland context.
Post-primary schools in specialist pilot scheme
All post-primary schools have been asked to express their interest in being considered for a Specialist Schools Pilot. The Pilot will involve approximately 10 post-primary schools as well as testing the concept of specialist schools in a Northern Ireland context.
05 February 2014
Ministers Praise Twinbrook Adult Learning Scheme
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Junior Minister Jennifer McCann visited St Luke's Primary in Twinbrook, Belfast, today to see how adults from the Colin area are achieving qualifications through an education programme at the school.
Ministers Praise Twinbrook Adult Learning Scheme
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Junior Minister Jennifer McCann visited St Luke's Primary in Twinbrook, Belfast, today to see how adults from the Colin area are achieving qualifications through an education programme at the school.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
