Health authorities ‘aware’ of potential coronavirus cluster in NI town

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed it is “aware of a number of cases” in the area that “may be associated with a cluster”.

The agency said it will “monitor the situation, look for trends and linked cases and where we need to advise or inform the public of any increased risk to public health we will do so in a timely manner.”

Health authorities recently confirmed that a coronavirus cluster had been identified in Co Londonderry, following a social gathering in the Limavady area.

There were also reports of a potential cluster in Co Down earlier this month, but the Public Health Agency said at that time none had been identified “other than household related infections in the Newry, Mourne and Down area.”

In a statement, the Public Health Agency said it would not comment on individual cases following the identification of the potential cluster in Ballymena, Co Antrim so as not to “deter others with symptoms coming forward”.

A spokesperson for the agency added: “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 on what to do about managing symptoms and of the need to self-isolate to prevent any wider spread of the virus. They will also be asked who they have been in contact with so that we can follow up with those individuals to give them advice to help prevent the further spread of infection. Contact tracing is an established method to help prevent the further spread of infections such as COVID-19, and we are using this approach to target potential clusters which could spark new outbreaks.

“If the team identifies a potential cluster or outbreak this will be reported through the PHA’s normal outbreak management channels and the appropriate infection control advice/ actions carried out.”

The PHA statement continued: “This virus has the potential to make its presence felt in any district. Everyone should act on the basis that it might potentially be in their neighbourhood right now. That’s why following the public health advice on regular hand washing and maintaining a social distance of two metres remains vitally important.

“If anyone is concerned that they are experiencing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, they must self-isolate and arrange a test as soon as possible. For further information on the virus, its symptoms and how to book a test, visit www.pha.site/coronavirus.”