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COVID-19 (coronavirus)

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COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by a virus called coronavirus.

The Public Health Agency is keeping abreast of the changing situation around COVID-19 (coronavirus) and is continuing to work with partners across the UK, as well as the health service in the Republic of Ireland and our local Health and Social Care system. For more information and to find out how to protect yourself click here.

Northern Ireland now has full access to the NHS 111 helpline service on coronavirus.

Essential to look after wellbeing while staying at home

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting how important it is for people to look after their wellbeing as they stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Being more alcohol aware during social distancing

With the government calling on people to stay at home as much as possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is asking people who drink alcohol to think about their drinking habits during this period.

Social distancing essential in battle against coronavirus

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to follow the advice on social distancing as an essential part of slowing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and saving lives.

Dr Hugo Van Woerden, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to practise social distancing as a key step in saving lives. The guidance to socially distance ourselves from others applies to everyone. We should all be taking steps to reduce social interaction between people in order to reduce the transmission of coronavirus.

Needle exchanges helping to stop spread of infection

A total of 33,992 visits were made to needle and syringe exchange schemes (NSES) during 2018-19, helping to stop the spread of infection from drug-related litter and sharing of equipment.

The figures released by the Public Health Agency and Health and Social Care Board show a 13% increase in visits to NSES compared to the 2017-18 figures.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) was established in April 2009 as part of the reforms to Health and Social Care (HSC) in Northern Ireland. We are the major regional organisation for health protection and health and social wellbeing improvement. Our role also commits us to addressing the causes and associated inequalities of preventable ill-health and lack of wellbeing. We are a multi-disciplinary, multi-professional body with a strong regional and local presence.

Directorates

In fulfilling our mandate to protect public health, improve public health and social wellbeing, and reduce inequalities in health and social wellbeing, the PHA works within an operational framework of three areas: Public Health, Nursing and Allied Health Professionals, and Operations. Our corporate and business plans reflect these arrangements and our purpose as an organisation.

Latest

COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Thursday, 09 April 2020 - News
Everyone in Northern Ireland should now stay at home COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a type of virus called coronavirus. Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading. The best
COVID-19 Surveillance Reports
Wednesday, 08 April 2020 - Publication
The COVID-19 Surveillance Bulletin describes COVID-19 activity in Northern Ireland and is produced Monday to Friday by the PHA. COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a type of virus called Sars-CoV-2
Essential to look after wellbeing while staying at home
Wednesday, 08 April 2020 - News
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting how important it is for people to look after their wellbeing as they stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Professor Hugo van Woerden, Director of Public Health and Medical
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) translations
Tuesday, 07 April 2020 - Publication
The Coronavirus Isolate your household poster has been translated into 11 languages and these translations are available to download below. Posters for GPs and pharmacies have also been translated into 11 languages. More translations will be added