Menu
28/07/2022
Health Minister Announces Lateral Flow Testing Extension
The availability of lateral flow testing for those with symptoms is to be extended into August, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
The move follows an earlier decision to extend availability until the end of this July.
Minister Swann said: "Whilst indications are that we are moving in the right direct with regard to the trajectory of the pandemic and that prevalence is reducing, it is vital that we keep the situation under review.
"Thankfully the overall risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death for those who contract COVID-19 continues to be much lower than during previous waves.
"However, we continue to see severe pressures in our hospitals and the contribution of COVID-19, even though admission numbers are smaller than in previous waves, adds to these pressures.
"After careful consideration therefore I have decided to extend the current availability of lateral flow testing, including for those with symptoms, for a further short period."
Under current arrangements, lateral flow tests are available to members of the public with COVID-19 symptoms, including importantly those who may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments. Tests are also available to a small number of groups without symptoms including health and social care staff, those visiting others in health and care settings, and those providing close personal care to someone at higher risk should they contract COVID-19.
The position will continue to be kept under review with further announcements in August as necessary.
The move follows an earlier decision to extend availability until the end of this July.
Minister Swann said: "Whilst indications are that we are moving in the right direct with regard to the trajectory of the pandemic and that prevalence is reducing, it is vital that we keep the situation under review.
"Thankfully the overall risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death for those who contract COVID-19 continues to be much lower than during previous waves.
"However, we continue to see severe pressures in our hospitals and the contribution of COVID-19, even though admission numbers are smaller than in previous waves, adds to these pressures.
"After careful consideration therefore I have decided to extend the current availability of lateral flow testing, including for those with symptoms, for a further short period."
Under current arrangements, lateral flow tests are available to members of the public with COVID-19 symptoms, including importantly those who may be eligible for COVID-19 treatments. Tests are also available to a small number of groups without symptoms including health and social care staff, those visiting others in health and care settings, and those providing close personal care to someone at higher risk should they contract COVID-19.
The position will continue to be kept under review with further announcements in August as necessary.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 August 2022
Clarification Needed On End Of Free Lateral Flow Testing
The Alliance Party has called for clarification on the end of free lateral flow tests respite and day care providers. has said. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong was speaking after it was announced the move will take place from today, Monday 22 August.
Clarification Needed On End Of Free Lateral Flow Testing
The Alliance Party has called for clarification on the end of free lateral flow tests respite and day care providers. has said. Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong was speaking after it was announced the move will take place from today, Monday 22 August.
07 January 2022
Covid-19 Risk 'Greater Now Than It Has Ever Been'
The risk of catching Covid-19 is greater now than it has ever been and community transmission is at an all-time high, this was the message of the Executive following the latest update from NI's medical and scientific advisors.
Covid-19 Risk 'Greater Now Than It Has Ever Been'
The risk of catching Covid-19 is greater now than it has ever been and community transmission is at an all-time high, this was the message of the Executive following the latest update from NI's medical and scientific advisors.
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.
05 July 2022
Health Minister Welcomes 'Virginity Testing' Ban
Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed a decision by the UK Government to ban virginity testing or hymenoplasty in any part of the UK, as part of the Health and Care Act 2022.
Health Minister Welcomes 'Virginity Testing' Ban
Health Minister Robin Swann has welcomed a decision by the UK Government to ban virginity testing or hymenoplasty in any part of the UK, as part of the Health and Care Act 2022.
27 October 2021
Health Minister Highlights Importance Of Regular Rapid Testing
Around one in three people with Covid-19 show no symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular Rapid Testing, Health Minister Robin Swann has said. Regular Rapid Testing can help identify positive cases of Covid-19 and enables people with the virus to take steps to stop them giving it to others.
Health Minister Highlights Importance Of Regular Rapid Testing
Around one in three people with Covid-19 show no symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular Rapid Testing, Health Minister Robin Swann has said. Regular Rapid Testing can help identify positive cases of Covid-19 and enables people with the virus to take steps to stop them giving it to others.
-
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.
