16 covid-19 clusters reported by PHA

No further deaths in last period

View email online

News   What's On   Lifestyle              Jul 22, 2020           Dear reader Few would argue that Northern Ireland has successfully combated the threat of coronavirus over recent weeks, with the number of deaths and indeed newly diagnosed cases having consistently fallen.  However, it would be wrong to get complacent and we are seeing examples of clusters of new cases dotted around the Province. In the last couple of weeks alone, there have been well publicised clusters in parts of Co Down and Co Londonderry, while it was claimed on Wednesday that a similar cluster has emerged in Ballymena.  In fact, the Public Health Agency now says it has identified 16 clusters of Covid-19 infections since contact tracing was fully established in late May.  The news comes as the Department of Health confirmed that there have been no further deaths related to coronavirus in Northern Ireland over the last 24 hours. However, nine more positive tests for Covid-19 have been recorded in the Province.  Thursday promises to be another significant day, with the Stormont Executive due to discuss the possibility of making the wearing of face masks compulsory in Northern Ireland's shops. Stick with us tomorrow for the breaking news on an issue which has already divided opinion. While Health Minister Robin Swann is recommending the measure, others, including East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson, claim compulsory masks will put off people supporting our town centres.  Stay safe Alistair Bushe Editor Want total access to all of our online content? You can subscribe to our website, newsletter.co.uk for just £1 a month for 3 months - and it couldn't be easier. Signing up will get you faster-loading articles, fewer adverts and access to exclusive content and events when we run them. To learn more, visit our Subscriptions page here.           Health authorities 'aware' of potential coronavirus cluster in NI town           Health authorities are investigating a possible coronavirus cluster in Ballymena, it has emerged.                 Queen's is to study virus co-infections   A research team from Queen's University Belfast has been awarded a £500,000 UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Rapid Response Fund grant to investigate the role of bacterial co-infections in COVID-19, and drug repurposing for the treatment of the disease.           Nine more positive tests bringing total confirmed to 5,868 - no deaths in last 24 hours - 16 clusters of infection reported by PHA   Another 9 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in NI in the last 24 hours, according to the Department of Health dashboard.           Fines of up to £1,000 per child for parents who refuse to send kids to school because of COVID-19 fears   Parents in Northern Ireland who refuse to send their children to school because of fears concerning COVID-19 could be fined up to £1,000 per child and prosecuted in court.           GAA clubs suspend activity after senior player tests positive for COVID-19   County Tyrone clubs Eglish and Aghaloo have suspended all playing activity after a senior Eglish player tested positive for Covid-19, it has emerged.           Row over claim that DEARA coronavirus aid favours protestant farmers   Councillors have clashed over claims a £25 million support package announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), favours protestant farmers.                 View more on Coronavirus

Please note Due to the unprecedented nature of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic we have launched this new daily newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest official information and advice. How to opt out of these emails We are sending these daily Coronavirus email bulletins in addition to our daily newsletter emails. If you would like to opt out of only these additional Public Interest emails, and continue to receive your regular daily newsletters, please click here.         You have received this email as you have an account on the News Letter, published by JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. To manage your individual newsletter preferences with us, please click here and log in to your account.     Alternatively you can update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive from JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, or unsubscribe from all future emails.     JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 11499982, having its registered address at 1, King Street, London, England, EC2V 8AU, United Kingdom. We will process your personal data in accordance with our privacy policy.