Two NI A&E hospital staff test positive for coronavirus

Other staff members who had been in close contact are self-isolating as they await tests for the virus.

It is not believed the staff members contracted the virus at work.

A spokesperson for the Southern Trust said the hospital’s A&E remains open but is “extremely busy”.

“The Southern Trust can confirm that two members of staff who work in the Respiratory Emergency Department (ED) at Craigavon Area Hospital have tested positive for Covid-19,” the spokesperson said.

“As a precaution, any other members of staff who have been in close contact with the confirmed cases are being tested and are currently at home isolating.”

The spokesperson continued: “At this stage it is understood that the infection may have transferred in a social setting ie not within the ED.

“Staff in the Emergency Department wear full personal protective equipment when treating patients therefore we do not believe there is any risk to patients at this time.

“The Emergency Department in Craigavon remains open but is extremely busy and we would urge the public only to attend if there is no other alternative.”