An emotional health and wellbeing programme which has been enjoyed by over 20,000 primary school-aged children in Northern Ireland is this year celebrating its tenth anniversary. The Roots of Empathy programme, which is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and co-ordinated by local health trusts, has been delivered to 306 schools and 22,990 children over the last decade. “Roots of Empathy has been very successful in Northern Ireland,” said Maurice Meehan, the PHA Head of Health and Social Wellbeing (Northern). “It is an evidence-based school programme and Queen’s University research of

The Public Health Agency has identified a number of probable cases of the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02) in areas of Castlewellan, Co Down, and Derry/Londonderry. These early results are suggestive of the variant but this has not been confirmed. As a precautionary measure we are asking asymptomatic people aged 18-40 years old from selected, targeted neighbourhoods within these areas to get PCR tested. This is so we can identify asymptomatic COVID-19 cases early and reduce the risk of spread in the community. Those being asked to come forward for testing will be contacted by post from tomorrow

The Public Health Agency’s (PHA) surveillance systems are indicating that as of yesterday [Tuesday 22 June 2021], 612 confirmed or probable cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 have been detected throughout all 11 local council areas in Northern Ireland. This is not a surprising development as we have seen the Delta variant become prominent in other countries across Europe and anticipated that the same would happen here. Latest information shows that around half of COVID-19 positive cases sampled in Northern Ireland are indicative of the of the Delta variant, which isn’t unexpected but shows

The Public Health Agency has identified a number of probable cases of the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02) in areas of Ballymoney and Omagh. These early results are suggestive of the variant but this has not been confirmed. As a precautionary measure we are asking asymptomatic people to get tested in selected, targeted neighbourhoods within these areas. This is in advance of confirmation of whether a variant is present and so we can identify asymptomatic COVID-19 cases early and reduce the risk of spread in the community. Testing is opening to everyone in these areas over the age of 5 years old

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is concluding its enhanced testing work in Kilkeel. Dr Bríd Farrell, Assistant Director of Service Development, Safety and Quality at the PHA, said:: “More than 2,100 residents have participated in the targeted testing in the Kilkeel area. Examination of the data from before and during the enhanced testing reveals that since Monday 30 May, there have been 50 COVID-19 positive cases. Of these, 28 are probable or confirmed cases of the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02, first detected in India). “The situation in the area is stable and no additional public health

An annular solar eclipse will occur tomorrow – June 10, when the Moon will pass between Earth and the Sun, thereby partly obscuring the image of the Sun. It is expected to be a spectacular sight – but it also has the potential to cause blindness. The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board are urging everyone to exercise caution and are highlighting the dangers of looking directly at the sun during the eclipse. Dr Jackie McCall, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Whilst a solar eclipse is an amazing and infrequent event, the public must remember that looking

Accidents are the main cause of death for children post-infancy, with many occurring in the home. During Child Safety Week (7-13 June) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of accidents that can happen in the home and providing helpful tips to prevent them from occurring. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager with the PHA, said: "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. ”“More

Following the identification of a small number of probable cases of the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02, first detected in India) in the Kilkeel area, the Public Health Agency (PHA) started asymptomatic testing on Saturday of people in targeted neighbourhoods within the area. This action has been taken in advance of confirmation of whether a variant is present so that we can identify asymptomatic COVID-19 cases early and reduce the risk of spread in the community. All households identified for testing have been contacted and three Mobile Testing Units will remain in Kilkeel to accommodate testing