SDLP Health Spokesperson, Colin McGrath MLA has welcomed the announcement of the approval of a vaccine for COVID-19, saying this news will provide people with hope for the future. The South Down MLA commented, “2020 has been an incredibly difficult year for all of us. “Many people lost precious time with […]
Never underestimate this virus, never assume it won’t bring tragedy to your door. That was the message from Health Minister Robin Swann as Northern Ireland reached another sad milestone in the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of Covid-related deaths recorded on the Department of Health dashboard has passed 1,000. “We always have […]
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging everyone who falls into an eligible group to get the free flu vaccine ahead of the anticipated increase in the spread of the virus. Dr David Irwin, Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, said, “After a very strong rate of uptake of the initial batch […]
Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots MLA has attended the official opening of the Adventure Play Trail in Gosford Forest Park at Markethill. The Adventure Play Trail, set in 240 hectares of stunning woodland and green spaces, comprises five unique superstructures which form part of a giant-sized outdoor adventure play area. The […]
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland’s popular Christmas card competition is back and is seeking older photographers from Newry, Mourne and Down to enter for this year’s theme which is, ‘2020 Re-Vision’ while encouraging them to follow the most recent public health guidance. The photography competition is seeking older people from […]
The First Minister and deputy First Minister have lent their support to the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Christmas Family Appeal. The appeal has been helping struggling families celebrate Christmas for 40 years and this year’s appeal will help those families in our communities facing impossible choices. The Christmas Family Appeal […]
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is warning parents and guardians about the dangers of lithium button cell batteries. The button batteries are used to power many children’s toys but are highly dangerous if accidentally swallowed, and is also urging everyone to ensure any toys bought for Christmas are age-appropriate. The festive […]
Education Minister Peter Weir today said there are no plans to extend schools’ Christmas holidays. His statement is in response to continued speculation on an early closing of schools in December. Minister Weir said, “It is disappointing that despite my clear statement on 17 November that schools will not close early, […]
An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) will be introduced in Northern Ireland (NI) from today, 1 December, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has confirmed. Embed from Getty Images The AIPZ places a legal requirement on all bird keepers in NI to follow strict biosecurity measures. This applies if you keep pet […]
First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have announced a range of support measures for survivors of Historical Institutional Abuse. Embed from Getty Images The dedicated measures – including health and wellbeing, social support and related services for victims and survivors of HIA – will be delivered by the Victims […]
