Covid-19 clusters force closure of facilities in Craigavon area

Three gyms, two GAA clubs and a primary school have all been affected.

An investigation has also been launched at Craigavon Area Hospital where at total of 10 patients and eight members of staff connected to the Haematology Ward have tested positive.

Four of the positive tests on patients occurred within the last two days.

In an update at 1pm yesterday, a Southern Health Trust spokesperson said that in the Emergency Department the number of staff to test positive remains at three, with 21 members of staff “currently off self-isolating as a precaution”.

The principal of St Anthony’s Primary School has confirmed that two pupils from the same family have tested positive.

In a letter posted on Facebook, Mr P Mallon said: “All children in these bubbles were sent home and these two classes will remain closed until further notice.”

Enhanced cleaning will now take place and pupils are due to return to school as normal on September 1.

The Master McGrath pub in Lurgan has also been closed as a precaution after a close relative of a staff member tested positive for coronavirus.

Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd described the Covid-19 clusters as a worrying development, and added: “I welcome the action of gyms and sporting clubs in Lurgan in responding quickly to positive Covid-19 cases. The openness and transparency with which they have acted will hopefully restrict the spread of the virus”.