As we move through the coronavirus pandemic, clusters of cases are expected. This is why the Test, Trace and Protect programme is in place to help ensure that people are tested when symptoms emerge, and their contacts traced quickly if they receive a positive result, to help prevent further spread. The Public Health Agency (PHA) will not comment on individual cases or go into the detail of every incident that emerges, as this could lead to people being identified, create stigma and focus attention on individuals, families or groups, and therefore deter others with symptoms coming forward to be

A new NHS service has been launched today (20 July), helping people across the UK sign up for information on the new COVID-19 vaccine trials. The new NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry will help large numbers of people be recruited into the trials over the coming months, potentially leading to an effective vaccine being identified and made available to the UK public against coronavirus earlier. It has been developed as part of the UK Government’s Vaccine Taskforce , in partnership with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), NHS Digital, and the Northern Ireland, Scottish and

The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) have maintained regular communication and support with J McGregor Chemist over their provision of a Needle and Syringe Exchange Scheme (NSES) at their pharmacy on Botanic Avenue, Belfast. J McGregor Chemist has taken the decision to withdraw the NSES from their Botanic Avenue pharmacy. The pharmacy has been an integral part of the NSES for more than 23 years and has provided a highly valuable health service to the local community, which we sincerely thank them for. The PHA and HSCB will continue to work alongside J McGregor

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Limavady area. At present we can link the cases to a social gathering in a private/residential setting. Testing and contact tracing is being conducted to identify people who may be potentially affected to help prevent any further spread. With lockdown restrictions being eased this type of occurrence is to be expected, which is why the Test, Trace and Protect programme is in place. At present anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 in Northern Ireland will be contacted by the contact tracing team to be given advice

Carbon monoxide (CO) can be a hidden killer during the summer months, and with many of us holidaying at home this year on camping, caravanning or boating trips, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging holidaymakers to be aware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in enclosed spaces. While carbon monoxide is usually associated with domestic fossil fuel-burning appliances, incidents and even deaths can also occur in caravans and tents, on boats and in other small places. Hilary Johnston, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA said: “Carbon monoxide can build up very

Celebrations for this year’s Twelfth of July might be a little different but the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding anyone choosing to drink that nothing has changed when it comes to alcohol – keep an eye on your alcohol intake by making a plan of setting a sensible limit and sticking to it. The PHA’s Drugs and Alcohol lead Michael Owen said: “A lot of people will be making plans to celebrate the Twelfth at home and we are encouraging them to keep an eye on their alcohol intake should they choose to drink. “By setting a plan, you can avoid binge drinking which has been shown to have