The availability of Covid-19 lateral flow testing has been extended in Northern Ireland until 31 July 2022. Changes to testing were announced in April 2022 with a further review to take place by the end of June, in line with the Test, Trace, Protect transition plan. Under current arrangements, lateral flow tests are […]
Testing will continue to play a vital role in Northern Ireland’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the coming months, Health Minister Robin Swann has emphasised. The Minister announced that a more targeted approach to testing will be introduced on a phased basis from next month, with the focus on supporting and protecting […]
The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to remember the basic steps to help reduce their risk of catching or spreading COVID-19 ahead of the festive period – wear a face covering, maintain social distancing, and practise good hand hygiene – as well as keeping rooms well-ventilated and getting the COVID-19 vaccine or booster […]
Health Minister Robin Swann has emphasised that free Rapid Lateral Flow Tests are available online and from a network of local pharmacies. And he underlined the importance of using Rapid Lateral Flow Tests regularly to help keep family and friends safe this winter. The Minister stressed that using Lateral Flow Tests does not […]
A number of new options have been introduced to enable people to prove their Covid certification status. Digital recovery certificates are now available through the COVIDCert NI app – providing official confirmation of a positive Covid-19 PCR between 30 days and 180 days ago. Proof of a positive Covid-19 PCR test […]
The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has published a report on Covid-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland. The report shows that there were 3,692 deaths involving Covid-19 in Northern Ireland between 1 March 2020 and 31 October 2021, accounting for 13.0% of all deaths in this period. Age-standardised mortality […]
Health Minister Robin Swann has confirmed a major expansion of NI’s COVID-19 vaccination programme to help meet current and forthcoming demand for booster doses. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) this week recommended the phased extension of the booster programme to all adult age groups. It advised that boosters should now […]
All Agenda for Change staff working in Health and Social Care will receive the 3% award which was recommended by the NHS Pay Review Body. The award will see HSC pay points increase by 3% and will be backdated to 1 April 2021. This award represents an estimated increase of approximately £88.24million on […]
“The time is right to download your vaccine certification app.” That’s the message from the Department of Health following the launch of a new version of the COVIDCert NI app It now offers separate vaccination certificates for both foreign travel and domestic use. These QR codes provide official confirmation that you have had […]
As schools, pupils and parents get ready for the return to class after the mid-term break, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Education Authority (EA) are highlighting the importance of regular asymptomatic testing in schools in reducing the spread of COVID-19. All pupils in years 8-14, and all staff in pre-schools, primary schools […]
