‘Action plan’ in place to tackle virus

PACEMAKER BELFAST 04/03/2020 A mock-up takes place in the event of a patient needing checked for the Coronavirus at the Ambulance Bay beside the Emergency Department at Antrim Area Hospital. Special coronavirus pods are now in action in Northern Ireland to test people who think they have the coronavirus. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said on Tuesday it has stepped up measures to try and contain the virus as health officials announced four new cases of covid-19 in the country, bringing the total at the time of going to press to 16.

A spokesperson for the local government authority said: “Council is supporting the containment of the covid-19 virus through the implementation of a proactive plan of action.

“While this is a fluid situation, there are no plans to cancel or postpone any council events, including the May Fair.

“Council is adhering to all advice issued by the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health and will monitor the situation on a daily basis, making any changes as deemed necessary by relevant authorities.

“As part of council efforts to contain the virus, additional hand sanitisers and hand washing guidance posters are in place in all council facilities.

“The council is also offering all employees advice and is providing them with regular updates and information via text, email and on-site and on-line notices.

“As with advice issued by the Public Health Agency, the council is reminding everyone to take practical steps to reduce the spread of the virus.”

Meanwhile, a St Patrick’s Day event featuring traditional music and family entertainment that was due to be held in the Mayfield area of the borough has been cancelled.

The decision was made in a bid to reduce the number of people who could potentially become infected with the illness.

Helen Callaghan, Mayfield Community Association, said: “The committee has decided to cancel our St Patrick’s Day event. This decision was not taken lightly and is based on advice and best practice available at this time.

“This is not scare mongering or a panic reaction, rather a way in which we hope to reduce infection spread where we can with the coronavirus. There will be a community event planned as soon as is possible.”