Menu
16/03/2020
Covid-19: Seven Further Cases Confirmed
Seven further cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing totals to 52.
It comes amid continued controversy over whether schools should follow suit with the Republic of Ireland and close their doors.
Several local schools have taken the option to close along with bars and restaurants across the region.
Queen's University Belfast is to begin delivering all lecture material remotely, while the Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon have been cancelled.
The total number of tests completed at present in Northern Ireland is 1,171, 52 of which have returned positive results.
People with mild symptoms - a new persistent cough and/or fever - should stay at home and self-isolate. They will not require testing and will not therefore be included in testing totals.
Speaking on Monday, Health Minister Robin Swann said all options are on the table when it comes to the protection of citizens.
While school closures are imminent, the Minister said timing is crucial at this stage.
"If it was just a question of shutting everything down for a limited period, then we would have already done it. It's sadly not that straightforward. Coronavirus is in our community, it's in neighbouring countries too and across our inter-connected world. It would still be there waiting for us to re-emerge from any shutdown.
"Social distancing measures have to hold – and be capable of spreading out the Covid 19 infection rate. That will help our health service cope.
"Closing schools by itself will not be effective, if we can't sustain it. It might even be counterproductive at this stage.
"What is needed is a wider and phased social distancing strategy that holds together and works over months not weeks."
Social distancing for older people is expected to be introduced in the coming days, the Minister confirmed.
"If you have mild symptoms, stay at home. You will not need to be tested. You should not contact or go to a GP surgery, Pharmacy or Emergency Department.
"If your symptoms worsen during your home isolation, or you are no better after seven days, seek medical advice by telephone. If you have an underlying health condition and you develop symptoms, then let your GP know. Please only call 999 if it's an emergency."
It comes amid continued controversy over whether schools should follow suit with the Republic of Ireland and close their doors.
Several local schools have taken the option to close along with bars and restaurants across the region.
Queen's University Belfast is to begin delivering all lecture material remotely, while the Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon have been cancelled.
The total number of tests completed at present in Northern Ireland is 1,171, 52 of which have returned positive results.
People with mild symptoms - a new persistent cough and/or fever - should stay at home and self-isolate. They will not require testing and will not therefore be included in testing totals.
Speaking on Monday, Health Minister Robin Swann said all options are on the table when it comes to the protection of citizens.
While school closures are imminent, the Minister said timing is crucial at this stage.
"If it was just a question of shutting everything down for a limited period, then we would have already done it. It's sadly not that straightforward. Coronavirus is in our community, it's in neighbouring countries too and across our inter-connected world. It would still be there waiting for us to re-emerge from any shutdown.
"Social distancing measures have to hold – and be capable of spreading out the Covid 19 infection rate. That will help our health service cope.
"Closing schools by itself will not be effective, if we can't sustain it. It might even be counterproductive at this stage.
"What is needed is a wider and phased social distancing strategy that holds together and works over months not weeks."
Social distancing for older people is expected to be introduced in the coming days, the Minister confirmed.
"If you have mild symptoms, stay at home. You will not need to be tested. You should not contact or go to a GP surgery, Pharmacy or Emergency Department.
"If your symptoms worsen during your home isolation, or you are no better after seven days, seek medical advice by telephone. If you have an underlying health condition and you develop symptoms, then let your GP know. Please only call 999 if it's an emergency."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 April 2009
No Panic On Swine Flu, Says NI Chief Medic
Public health in Northern Ireland is not under any "immediate threat" from a deadly new strain of animal-bourne influenza - and anti-viral medicines are already stockpiled to deal with such a threat.
No Panic On Swine Flu, Says NI Chief Medic
Public health in Northern Ireland is not under any "immediate threat" from a deadly new strain of animal-bourne influenza - and anti-viral medicines are already stockpiled to deal with such a threat.
13 November 2015
All NI Schools Are Eco-Schools - Durkan
All schools in Northern Ireland are now Eco-Schools, the Environment Minister has confirmed. Minister Mark H Durkan was speaking at the Eco-Schools National Operators Meeting (NOM), an annual global conference, coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
All NI Schools Are Eco-Schools - Durkan
All schools in Northern Ireland are now Eco-Schools, the Environment Minister has confirmed. Minister Mark H Durkan was speaking at the Eco-Schools National Operators Meeting (NOM), an annual global conference, coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
07 September 2016
NI Primary Schools Free To Prepare Pupils For Transfer Test
Primary schools in Northern Ireland are now free to prepare pupils for unregulated transfer tests. Education Minister Peter Weir reversed his decision which means schools can now support their pupils by supplying support materials and carry out preparation for tests during core teaching hours.
NI Primary Schools Free To Prepare Pupils For Transfer Test
Primary schools in Northern Ireland are now free to prepare pupils for unregulated transfer tests. Education Minister Peter Weir reversed his decision which means schools can now support their pupils by supplying support materials and carry out preparation for tests during core teaching hours.
26 January 2004
Education Minister announces scrapping of 11-plus
The Minister with responsibility for Education has confirmed that the last 11-plus tests will be held in Autumn 2008.
Education Minister announces scrapping of 11-plus
The Minister with responsibility for Education has confirmed that the last 11-plus tests will be held in Autumn 2008.
17 April 2002
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
Catholic Bishops declare opposition to academic selection
The Stormont Education Minister Martin McGuinness has welcomed the Northern Catholic Bishops’ statement on the future process of academic selection. The Northern Bishops said in a statement on Tuesday April 16 that they wanted to “maintain and enhance quality but not promote elitism”.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
