Coronavirus (COVID-19)

High temperature or new continuous cough or loss of smell? You can now get tested.

You can get tested for COVID-19

Everyone must help stop coronavirus spreading.
If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people.
Avoid touching your face and wash your hands as soon as you get home.
You can spread the virus even if you don't have symptoms.

A COVID-19 symptom checker is available here

The rise of the armchair epidemiologist

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the general public have followed the case numbers and trends with interest, and watched eagerly to determine if we have successfully “flattened the curve”. Given the amount of information and technical concepts available to us, there is also the potential for misunderstanding. In this blog we highlight key things to think about when trying to understand data.

PHA announces COVID-19 community funding

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new programme of investment that will provide support to communities in response to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PHA is encouraging groups to apply to the short-term funding programme, which can be used to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities living through COVID-19.

‘Test, trace, protect’ campaign to support fight against coronavirus

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new mass media campaign today [Monday 6 July] to raise awareness of the symptoms of COVID-19, the importance of testing and the role contact tracing can play in limiting the spread of infection.

This comes as Northern Ireland progresses through the coronavirus recovery plan, with the aim of reminding the public of the important role everyone has to play in minimising the risk of a second wave of infection.

The campaign will include TV and radio ads, social and digital activity, and outdoor advertising.

Gloved hands performing an antibody test

Antibody testing for COVID-19

During the pandemic, the pace of research has been unprecedented and our knowledge of the virus and its effects is growing day by day.

Enhanced rollout of online Stress Control Classes announced

A new programme of free online Stress Control classes will start on 13th July 2020 with classes running on a monthly basis until December 2020.

The programme has been developed to support people dealing with the effects of the pandemic on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Topics covered include an overview of what stress is, controlling your body and your thoughts, controlling your actions, and techniques to get a good night’s sleep. Stress control is a class, not ‘group therapy’. People can take part in the class from the privacy of their own home.

Welcome

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

‘Test, trace, protect’ campaign to support fight against coronavirus
Monday, 06 July 2020 - News
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new mass media campaign today to raise awareness of the symptoms of COVID-19, the importance of testing and the role contact tracing can play in limiting the spread of infection. This comes as Northern
Test Trace Protect needs everyone's support
Monday, 06 July 2020 - Publication
This leaflet outlines how testing and contact tracing can help to break the chain of transmission of coronavirus to reduce the risk of a second wave of infection. It provides a step-by-step infographic guide to explain what you should do if you have
Antibody testing for COVID-19
Thursday, 02 July 2020 - Media
Dr Janice Bailie, Assistant Director, R&D Division, PHA As of 2 July 2020, the SARS-CoV2 pandemic has topped 10 million cases worldwide and claimed over half a million lives. The immune systems of the global community were naïve to this new pathogen
Application process for membership of Belfast Protect Life Implementation Group
Thursday, 02 July 2020 - Publication
Applications are welcomed from statutory and non-statutory sector to join the Belfast Protect Life Implementation Group (BPLIG). This is an opportunity to contribute at a strategic level in the Belfast area to the implementation of the Protect Life 2