PHA COVID-19 statement

The Public Health Agency (PHA) can confirm that it has made a number of significant recommendations to a business in the Mid and East Antrim council area where a cluster of COVID-19 has been identified. These include testing of all staff this week and self-isolation of staff identified as close contacts of cases.

‘The agency is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to manage the situation and protect the workforce and wider community.

Testing and contact tracing is being conducted to identify staff who may be potentially affected to help prevent any further spread within the community.

We will not comment on individual cases as this could lead to people being identified and deter others with symptoms coming forward to be tested. We would ask everyone to be mindful of this risk.

We must be aware that COVID-19 is still a threat and we need everyone to play their part in helping to stop the virus spreading. It is therefore essential that we remember the key advice to help keep ourselves and those around us safe. Maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering when required and get tested if you display any symptoms of coronavirus.

If you receive a positive test result or have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case you will be contacted by the PHA’s Contact Tracing Service on (028) 9536 8888 and will be required to self-isolate.

Members of the public are also encouraged to download the StopCOVID NI contact tracing app on Android or Apple, which complements the work of the Contact Tracing Service.

If anyone is concerned that they are experiencing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, they must self-isolate and arrange a test as soon as possible. For further information on the virus, its symptoms and how to book a test, visit www.pha.site/coronavirus