Concerns over Housing Executive response to coronavirus case

A member of staff working within Marlborough House in Craigavon was confirmed to have the illness on Thursday (March 12), however, staff within the office were instructed to turn up for work as normal on Friday.

According to a relative of a member of staff within the Co Armagh office there has been NO deep clean carried out on the site.

The man said: “They have just announced to all staff that a worker has tested positive for Covid-19.

“Marlborough House are refusing to let staff go home, they are also refusing to do a deep clean of the building but instead are paying a few cleaners overtime tonight (Thursday) to clean a bit extra.”

However, the Housing Executive said they were following advice from the Public Health Agency.

A Housing Executive spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a member of our staff has tested positive for COVID-19. We send our best wishes to our colleague at this time.

“We have reassured staff that we have been in contact with the Public Health Agency (PHA) regarding this matter both before and after the test was confirmed.

“The PHA have provided us with advice which we continue to follow.”

Marlborough House is home to a number of regional offices for government departments - although several have been moved to other locations in recent years.