Access to testing for those with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) will be extended across Northern Ireland to include key workers who are self-isolating because they are symptomatic or because a household member is symptomatic. Expansion of testing provision across Northern Ireland is possible now with a third test centre opened in Craigavon to match those at SSE Belfast and City of Derry Rugby Club. Those eligible include: Any central government department Health and Safety Executive Those necessary to enable the critical national infrastructure to continue to operate (e.g. utility

Health protection advice and support is continuing to play a key role in tackling COVID-19 in Care Homes Northern Ireland. Professor Hugo van Woerden, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “The PHA has long-established, well-trusted and robust systems in place to monitor infectious diseases and provide direct advice and support to manage outbreaks and limit onward spread. These arrangements are being actively implemented in tackling coronavirus. “An important example of this is the work we are doing with the Independent Sector Nursing and Residential care homes

During COVID-19 normal maternity services will be temporarily reconfigured. To keep pregnant women informed of these changes the Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a new Northern Ireland Maternity COVID-19 website. The website will provide pregnant women with information about services in their trust as well as useful information on what COVID-19 is and how it affects pregnancy. Alison Little, Consultant Midwife at the (PHA), said: “Pregnancy can be a wonderful experience, but it can also come with many worries and concerns. Given the current challenging situation this can just add to

With people being encouraged to stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the importance of home safety and the role they can play in taking pressure of the health service. In Northern Ireland in a typical week, two people die as a result of home accidents. In addition to these deaths, there are approximately 17,000 admissions to hospital each year as a result of unintentional injuries. While it is important that we heed advice to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic the PHA) is asking that you be aware of ways to avoid accidents

The Public Health Agency (PHA), the Health and Social Care Board and a senior paediatric consultant are urging parents and carers to be vigilant of other childhood illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are reassuring them that help and support is available for those who need medical attention. Dr Joanne McClean, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with the PHA, said: “We know that parents want to do the very best they can to protect and care for their children. While it is essential to be aware of and follow the guidance associated with COVID-19, it is also important that parents trust

A new online programme of stress control classes has been developed to support people during the response to coronavirus (COVID-19), recognising the need to stay at home, while also recognising the impact that the pandemic and changes to our lifestyles is having on mental health. The free online stress control classes are being supported by the Department of Health, Health and Social Care Board, Health and Social Care Trusts and Public Health Agency and are aimed at supporting people’s mental wellbeing at this time of massive uncertainty. The classes, presented by Dr Jim White, a clinical p