11 covid-19 clusters involving five or more people identified in NI since May, as 8 new cases confirmed in 24 hours

By Peter Moor

The Public Health Agency has revealed 11 clusters with five or more people have been identified in Northern Ireland since contact tracing began at the end of May. 

These have been in the following council areas: 

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough (1)
• Ards and North Down Borough (1) 
• Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (1) 
• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough (1) 
• Mid and East Antrim Borough (3) 
• Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (4)

In addition, there have been 20 clusters across Northern Ireland with fewer than five people. 

These figures are up to 5pm on 12th August 2020. 

Cases in a smaller cluster may also be associated with a larger cluster, for example a common geographic location or common social setting.

The PHA will be publishing cluster data on a weekly basis each Thursday until further notice.

The news comes as 8 new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of cases to 6, 225.

Yesterday, the Department revealed 29 new cases of the virus had been diagnosed.

In the last week, 179 new cases of Coronavirus have been diagnosed here.

The data also revealed no new deaths in relation to the virus have been recorded for the third day running.

On Monday, for the first time in almost a month, the Department announced one new death in relation to COVID-19.

The number of people who died having contracted the virus therefore remains at 557.

On the issue of clusters, Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: “Cases are occurring in communities across Northern Ireland.

"This is an important reminder that we must not become complacent – coronavirus remains in circulation, so each of us has a responsibility to take steps to help keep ourselves and those around us safe.

“Maintain social distancing, wash your hands regularly, and get tested if you display any symptoms of coronavirus. You can also download the StopCOVID NI contact tracing app.

“This disease has the potential to make its presence felt in any community, as we have seen with clusters appearing across a number of council districts.

“Everyone should act on the basis that it might potentially be in your neighbourhood right now, rather than waiting for it to emerge in your local area or for rumours to circulate before taking steps to help protect yourself and others.

"That’s why following the public health advice remains vitally important. You can spread the virus even if you don't have symptoms, so taking these steps and exercising good hygiene practices will help prevent cases and reduce the number of clusters.

"Our analysis of clusters to date has shown that they have been associated with both workplaces and in the community, such as domestic gatherings and in hospitality and sporting settings."

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The Department of Health data also showed 3 care homes here now have confirmed outbreaks of the virus, with 6 having suspected outbreaks.

177 care homes now have closed outbreaks.

The dashboard also provides information on the intensive care bed capacity throughout Northern Ireland.

3 patients with COVID-19 remain in intensive care units - that is up from 2 patients yesterday.

77 beds are being occupied by other non-COVID-19 patients.

Therefore, there are now 15 ICU beds unoccupied across the region's hospitals.