Menu
16/03/2020
Covid-19: Seven Further Cases Confirmed
Seven further cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing totals to 52.
It comes amid continued controversy over whether schools should follow suit with the Republic of Ireland and close their doors.
Several local schools have taken the option to close along with bars and restaurants across the region.
Queen's University Belfast is to begin delivering all lecture material remotely, while the Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon have been cancelled.
The total number of tests completed at present in Northern Ireland is 1,171, 52 of which have returned positive results.
People with mild symptoms - a new persistent cough and/or fever - should stay at home and self-isolate. They will not require testing and will not therefore be included in testing totals.
Speaking on Monday, Health Minister Robin Swann said all options are on the table when it comes to the protection of citizens.
While school closures are imminent, the Minister said timing is crucial at this stage.
"If it was just a question of shutting everything down for a limited period, then we would have already done it. It's sadly not that straightforward. Coronavirus is in our community, it's in neighbouring countries too and across our inter-connected world. It would still be there waiting for us to re-emerge from any shutdown.
"Social distancing measures have to hold – and be capable of spreading out the Covid 19 infection rate. That will help our health service cope.
"Closing schools by itself will not be effective, if we can't sustain it. It might even be counterproductive at this stage.
"What is needed is a wider and phased social distancing strategy that holds together and works over months not weeks."
Social distancing for older people is expected to be introduced in the coming days, the Minister confirmed.
"If you have mild symptoms, stay at home. You will not need to be tested. You should not contact or go to a GP surgery, Pharmacy or Emergency Department.
"If your symptoms worsen during your home isolation, or you are no better after seven days, seek medical advice by telephone. If you have an underlying health condition and you develop symptoms, then let your GP know. Please only call 999 if it's an emergency."
It comes amid continued controversy over whether schools should follow suit with the Republic of Ireland and close their doors.
Several local schools have taken the option to close along with bars and restaurants across the region.
Queen's University Belfast is to begin delivering all lecture material remotely, while the Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon have been cancelled.
The total number of tests completed at present in Northern Ireland is 1,171, 52 of which have returned positive results.
People with mild symptoms - a new persistent cough and/or fever - should stay at home and self-isolate. They will not require testing and will not therefore be included in testing totals.
Speaking on Monday, Health Minister Robin Swann said all options are on the table when it comes to the protection of citizens.
While school closures are imminent, the Minister said timing is crucial at this stage.
"If it was just a question of shutting everything down for a limited period, then we would have already done it. It's sadly not that straightforward. Coronavirus is in our community, it's in neighbouring countries too and across our inter-connected world. It would still be there waiting for us to re-emerge from any shutdown.
"Social distancing measures have to hold – and be capable of spreading out the Covid 19 infection rate. That will help our health service cope.
"Closing schools by itself will not be effective, if we can't sustain it. It might even be counterproductive at this stage.
"What is needed is a wider and phased social distancing strategy that holds together and works over months not weeks."
Social distancing for older people is expected to be introduced in the coming days, the Minister confirmed.
"If you have mild symptoms, stay at home. You will not need to be tested. You should not contact or go to a GP surgery, Pharmacy or Emergency Department.
"If your symptoms worsen during your home isolation, or you are no better after seven days, seek medical advice by telephone. If you have an underlying health condition and you develop symptoms, then let your GP know. Please only call 999 if it's an emergency."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
14 November 2024
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
Health Minister Seeks Urgent Talks On Pay
The Health Minister has confirmed that he has requested an early meeting with health service trade unions to discuss next steps on pay offers for 2024/25. Due to Northern Ireland's budgetary constraints, the Minister is unable to deliver the desired pay settlements for this year.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
19 November 2024
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
Department Of Health Encourages Self-Care This Winter
The Department of Health is urging people to take steps to care for their health and well-being, especially during the winter months. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt emphasised the importance of self-care, particularly for older adults and individuals with long-term health conditions.
04 April 2024
Public Health Agency Issues Bowel Cancer Awareness Info
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged people to be aware of the risks of bowel cancer and the two key actions – act when you notice symptoms, and take part in screening if eligible.
Public Health Agency Issues Bowel Cancer Awareness Info
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged people to be aware of the risks of bowel cancer and the two key actions – act when you notice symptoms, and take part in screening if eligible.
-
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.
