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03/03/2020
Covid 19: NI 'Preparing For The Worst' As Tests Rise
Local health officials are "preparing for the worst" as the number of people tested for coronavirus rises in Northern Ireland.
At present, one case has been confirmed in the region with a second ongoing in the Republic of Ireland.
The number of tests carried out for the Covid-19 have spiked to 151, the Department of Health has revealed.
Elsewhere in the UK, a total of 39 cases have been confirmed. Government officials say there is potential for one fifth of the workforce to be off sick if the epidemic continues.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson today revealed the latest plans for managing the virus with the possibility of school closures, reduced large-scale gatherings and encouraged working from home.
It comes as the infection sweeps over 50 countries, with over 86,000 confirmed cases and 3,000 deaths.
Officials in Northern Ireland are in contact with the Republic of Ireland regarding infection control measures on the island of Ireland and yesterday took part in a COBR meeting.
Providing an update to the NI Assembly on Monday, Minister Swann said the local case was linked to recent travel to Italy and not to a school ski trip.
"We are continuing to prepare for the worst and work for the best and it is important that we continue to remain calm and focused on containment at this point," the Minister said.
"Whilst the situation is no doubt serious, and whilst it is far from certain that it will happen, detailed plans are in place in case of the virus becoming a pandemic. Even with the recent case I would stress that we are very much still in the containment phase."
Meanwhile, the local exam body is drawing up plans to minimise disruption to GCSE and A Level assessments caused by the coronavirus.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) said schools should prepare for the 2020 exam season as normal, while contingency plans are put in place to manage any emerging risks between now and exam season.
A spokesperson said: "We will update existing guidance to reflect any specific arrangements schools and colleges should put in place, if required.
"In the meantime, students, schools and colleges should continue to prepare for the summer examinations and assessments as usual."
Advice to the public remains in the same.
Symptoms of the disease include headaches, coughs, shortness of breath, muscle pain, fever and tiredness.
Anyone who has travelled to an affected region, regardless of whether they are suffering symptoms or not, is urged to contact their GP or emergency department by phone to arrange a test.
Otherwise, members of the public are urged to escalate their personal hygiene routine using these tips to prevent catching and spreading the virus:
• Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soapy water or sanitiser gel
• Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tisues
• Throw away all used tissues & wash hands
• Use your sleeve if you don't have a tissue
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
The Public Health Agency has published guidelines for traveller, employers and businesses, available online.
(JG)
At present, one case has been confirmed in the region with a second ongoing in the Republic of Ireland.
The number of tests carried out for the Covid-19 have spiked to 151, the Department of Health has revealed.
Elsewhere in the UK, a total of 39 cases have been confirmed. Government officials say there is potential for one fifth of the workforce to be off sick if the epidemic continues.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson today revealed the latest plans for managing the virus with the possibility of school closures, reduced large-scale gatherings and encouraged working from home.
It comes as the infection sweeps over 50 countries, with over 86,000 confirmed cases and 3,000 deaths.
Officials in Northern Ireland are in contact with the Republic of Ireland regarding infection control measures on the island of Ireland and yesterday took part in a COBR meeting.
Providing an update to the NI Assembly on Monday, Minister Swann said the local case was linked to recent travel to Italy and not to a school ski trip.
"We are continuing to prepare for the worst and work for the best and it is important that we continue to remain calm and focused on containment at this point," the Minister said.
"Whilst the situation is no doubt serious, and whilst it is far from certain that it will happen, detailed plans are in place in case of the virus becoming a pandemic. Even with the recent case I would stress that we are very much still in the containment phase."
Meanwhile, the local exam body is drawing up plans to minimise disruption to GCSE and A Level assessments caused by the coronavirus.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) said schools should prepare for the 2020 exam season as normal, while contingency plans are put in place to manage any emerging risks between now and exam season.
A spokesperson said: "We will update existing guidance to reflect any specific arrangements schools and colleges should put in place, if required.
"In the meantime, students, schools and colleges should continue to prepare for the summer examinations and assessments as usual."
Advice to the public remains in the same.
Symptoms of the disease include headaches, coughs, shortness of breath, muscle pain, fever and tiredness.
Anyone who has travelled to an affected region, regardless of whether they are suffering symptoms or not, is urged to contact their GP or emergency department by phone to arrange a test.
Otherwise, members of the public are urged to escalate their personal hygiene routine using these tips to prevent catching and spreading the virus:
• Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soapy water or sanitiser gel
• Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tisues
• Throw away all used tissues & wash hands
• Use your sleeve if you don't have a tissue
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
The Public Health Agency has published guidelines for traveller, employers and businesses, available online.
(JG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
