The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging members of the public to only book PCR tests when necessary. The call comes as record numbers of people have been tested this week – for example, over 21,000 tests were done on Monday 27 th December. The agency has also put in place new PCR testing protocols to help protect the testing system in Northern Ireland and ensure availability of testing for those who need it. Dr Bríd Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “As Omicron continues to spread in Northern Ireland, we are seeing the expected rapid increase in the number of people

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging members of the public who test positive for COVID-19 over the festive period to work with its Contact Tracing Service (CTS) to help prevent further spread of the virus, particularly given the increasing prevalence of the Omicron variant. Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Director of CTS at the PHA, said: “We know that the last thing people want to think about at this time of year is COVID-19, but unfortunately coronavirus doesn’t take a Christmas break. The Contact Tracing Service won’t be taking a break either though, and we will be here to work with people to

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new obesity prevention campaign ahead of the New Year raising awareness about portion sizes and the impact on weight and health. A new TV ad will be on our screens from 27 December focusing on reducing portion size as a way for anyone who is overweight or obese to reduce their weight. The public information campaign will also feature video on demand, radio, outdoor, social media and display advertising. The most recent health survey report (2019/2020) shows 65% of adults in Northern Ireland were either overweight (38%) or obese (27%). There is also

As Christmas and New Year approaches, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to look after their mental wellbeing and that of their family and friends during the holiday season. Fiona Teague Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing lead at the PHA said: “We have all been through an incredibly challenging time dealing with the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and as we approach the holiday season, it’s even more important to look after our mental and emotional wellbeing. It’s also important to be aware of how our family and friends are coping. “People look forward to spending

As we prepare to ring in the New Year, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging smokers to get 2022 off to a positive start and make it their New Year’s resolution to quit smoking. Colette Rogers, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said: “The New Year is a fantastic opportunity to make a fresh start and to quit smoking and we can help you make that happen. “The past year has brought many challenges. It has also helped each of us to place a higher value on our own health and wellbeing and if you are a smoker, one of the best things you can do to improve your health is to quit

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on those who choose to drink alcohol this festive season to not stockpile alcohol as it could increase the risk of you drinking more that you normally would. Many of us over-indulge at Christmas but overdoing it with alcohol could seriously damage your health. Michael Owen, the PHA’s lead for Drugs and Alcohol, said: “Many of us like to have a drink at Christmas and we’re not saying people shouldn’t, but it’s important that we enjoy ourselves safely. “Many people do not realise that alcohol is a powerful drug and we need to be careful how we use it

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has emphasised the need for everyone to take steps to protect themselves and those around them as the number of confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has reached 151 in Northern Ireland. This is a significant increase in numbers due to rising community spread and a change in definition across the UK from today which has meant that cases that were previously recorded as ‘highly probable’ are now automatically recorded as ‘confirmed’, meaning a number of cases under investigation from across several days have now become confirmed at the same time and

As the festive season approaches the Public Health Agency (PHA), is warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of children swallowing lithium button cell batteries which are used in many toys. Swallowing button cell batteries can cause choking, burning or poisoning and can lead to life-changing injuries or death. Christmas typically means that there will be more new toys in the home and therefore a rise in the number of the small batteries which are within many toys, musical Christmas cards, remote controls and lots of electronics. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement

The Public Health Agency’s (PHA’s) Act FAST public awareness campaign commenced this week (13 th Dec) to promote awareness of the signs and symptoms of stroke. The campaign will run from 13 th December until 6 th January across TV, radio, digital and outdoor. Stroke is the third main cause of death in adults in Northern Ireland, after heart disease and cancer, and the single greatest cause of adult disability. Every year in Northern Ireland stroke accounts for around 2,800 hospital admissions and although the majority of strokes happen in older people, approximately one in ten strokes occur in