COVID-19 cluster in Limavady - mobile testing unit to be set up

The Public Health Agency (PHA) confirmed on Thursday that it has identified a cluster in the area, and it is now known there are between 10 and 20 cases identified so far.

People in the County Derry region were today advised that if they get a call from the number 02895 368888 to please answer it as this will involve important information for them.

Speaking about the situation in Limavady, in a statement the Public Health Agency stated: “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 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.”

Health Minister Robin Swann stated: “We have long anticipated and warned that clusters will happen.

“I want to commend colleagues in the Public Health Agency for the work they are doing in keeping people safe through the Test, Trace and Protect programme.

“I would once again urge everyone across Northern Ireland to guard against complacency. The virus is still present in our community and must never be underestimated.

“Please stick to social distancing at all times and keep washing your hands regularly with the same rigour as at the start of this pandemic.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: “Today’s news underlines once again that we have to keep up our guard against Covid-19.

“Social gatherings in private residences have been an issue on both sides of the border.

“We have made important strides forward against the virus, but we must always remember that we have a long way to go. We face a very uncertain next few months and the very real prospect of a very challenging autumn and winter.

“Please keep following the public health advice at all times. Stay safe and save lives. And make sure you avoid crowds, closed spaces and close contact when you are socialising.”

The PHA said it will continue to monitor all cases of COVID-19, 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.

“We will not comment on individual cases as this could lead to people being identified and deter others with symptoms coming forward to be tested. We would ask everyone to be mindful of this risk,” the PHA said, adding:

“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“We must be aware that COVID-19 is still a threat and we need everyone to play their part in helping to stop the virus spreading.”