
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called for an increase in COVID-19 testing and the establishment of a drive-in testing facility to help combat the spread of the virus. Speaking to Newry Times, the South Down MP said, “The World Health Organisation made it abundantly clear today that testing is the most important tool we […]
Mar 19 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill have expressed sympathy following the first death of a person in Northern Ireland who had tested positive for Covid-19. First Minister Arlene Foster said, “This is a sad day for Northern Ireland. “Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the family […]
Mar 19 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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A patient who tested positive for Covid-19 has sadly died in a hospital in Northern Ireland. The patient was elderly, according to a statement from the Department of Health. The department said the patient had an underlying medical condition. The patient was being treated in a hospital in the greater Belfast […]

The Driver and Vehicle Agency will suspend practical driving tests for three months from the last test today, following the latest advice from public health authorities to delay the spread of the Coronavirus. Speaking to Newry Times, Infrastructure Minister Mallon said, “Keeping communities across the North safe at this concerning time is a priority for […]

Finance Minister Conor Murphy has joined Finance Ministers from Scotland and Wales on a conference call with Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Barclay. Minister Murphy said, “I was keen to press the Treasury on what immediate support is available to people and families. “These are unique circumstances that require an unprecedented response. […]
Mar 19 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Full statements from First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill on Covid–19 response, 18 March 2020 First Minister Arlene Foster: Good afternoon. The level of fear and uncertainty in almost every family is unprecedented. I have never before witnessed such anxiety across all sectors. There is only one topic of […]

Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey MLA wrote today to all community and voluntary sector groups funded by her Department to assure them of her support as they gear up to respond to the impact of COVID-19 in communities here. Speaking to Newry Times, she said, “The role of community organisations has never been more important as […]
Mar 18 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Chief Social Worker Sean Holland has underlined the essential role social care will play in supporting vulnerable people in the weeks and months ahead. Mr Holland also confirmed that updated Covid-19 guidance has been issued to the care home and domiciliary care sectors. He said,“I have no doubt that the importance of social care to […]
Mar 18 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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DAERA Minister Edwin Poots has urged consumers to buy responsibly whilst thanking the agri-food sector for keeping food on our tables. “The Coronavirus pandemic is one of the most significant challenges many of us have experienced in our lifetime,” he said. “Not only in terms of the impact on the health of our […]
Mar 18 2020 | Posted in
Coronavirus |
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Schools in Northern Ireland will close from Monday 23 March, Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster has said. The news comes after the UK and Northern Ireland have come under increasing pressure to close schools, as worried parents locally shared their concerns on social media. Speaking at a press conference this evening, Arlene Foster, […]