Northern Ireland’s contact tracing programme is continuing to expand, with all positive cases of COVID-19 now being contact traced. Contact tracing is an important part of infection control, and is a key part of Health and Social Care’s work to help reduce the impact of COVID-19. Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I very much welcome the roll out of this contact tracing and commend those involved in making it happen. “This is another example of the herculean work right across the HSC system to fight back against COVID-19 and keep people safe. “The battle against the virus is a long-term

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding parents to be kind to themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in turn they will be helping to protect their infant’s mental health. Infant mental health is the term used to describe the capacity of a child, during the first three years of life. It is the capacity to: form close relationships; recognise and express emotions; and explore and learn about their environment. Deirdre McAliskey, from National Children’s Bureau in Northern Ireland, said: “During pregnancy and infancy, it is obvious how physically reliant babies are on their parents and

Everyone’s mental health and emotional wellbeing remains a key priority for Health and Social Care and our partners in the community, voluntary and independent sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Health and Social Care (HSC) mental health services are safe and accessible for anyone who needs them across all HSC Trusts in Northern Ireland. During Mental Health awareness week (18-24 th May), the HSC system and key partners are reminding everyone that looking after your mental health and emotional wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical health, particularly at