Coronavirus: Second dose of vaccination to be administered

In the Northern Trust area vaccinations have been received to treat 1,912 residents, 2,496 care home staff at 101 care homes and 2,200 HSC staff.

Staff and residents at an east Antrim nursing home were some of the first to get the first dose of the vaccine earlier this month.

On December 14 a total of 19 residents and 34 staff members at Knockagh Rise Nursing Home in Greenisland were given the first dose of the Pfizer vaccination, with the second due around January 4.

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Commenting ahead of the second dose being rolled out across the province, the Health Minister said: “33,683 vaccinations in a short space of time is a significant achievement for Northern Ireland.

“We are continuing to lead the way in delivering vaccine to our most vulnerable and our frontline workers and I sincerely thank all those involved in making this possible, from the frontline vaccinators to the backroom pharmacy teams and those involved in storage and distribution who have worked incredibly hard to make sure the vaccine can be delivered to those who need it the most.

“The vaccine has brought a renewed hope as 2020 draws to a close and we move into a new year.

“I want people to be hopeful. I want people to look forward to 2021. But I also want people to remain cautious.

“It will take time before we see the true benefits of vaccination. So for now keep doing what you are doing. Keep any New Year celebrations within your existing household. Do the right thing and stick to the regulations to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and protect our health service.”

Meanwhile, new Covid-19 measures have been put in place at Larne FC’s Inver Park, including club offices being closed to the general public due to updated government restrictions.

Commenting on the measures, a spokesperson for Larne FC said: “These measures have been put in place both on matchdays and throughout the week.

“This includes the offices at Inver Park being closed to the general public. Our club shop will also remain closed, however orders can continue to be made online and will be processed accordingly.

“Access to the stadium will be for essential staff only at all times, and those wishing to enter Inver Park must have permission from our General Manager Niall Curneen.

“Home fixtures, which are being played behind closed doors, will be subject to strict Northern Ireland Football League protocols, with only those who have been granted access or accreditation able to be present.

“All of these measures are in place to ensure Inver Park remains as safe as possible for those working there.”

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