Covid clusters fear in district

Covid clusters fear in district

8 July 2020

NURSING homes in Ballynahinch and Crossgar closed to visitors yesterday after reports that up to 16 people from several families in the area have tested positive for coronavirus.

In Ballynahinch, Oakridge Care Home, Redburn Clinic and Spa Nursing Home have locked down, while the Glasswater Lodge care home outside Crossgar has confirmed that it is not reopening to visitors at present.

The homes in Ballynahinch say they took the decision to close to protect their vulnerable residents, with the Crossgar home confirming on social media that it had decided not to reopen for visitors “at present” and was going to sit tight over the next week or so and see what happens.

News of the cluster of cases comes after a number of businesses in the Crossgar area confirmed that they were closing sit-in areas as a precaution in light of the potentially worrying development.

The Recorder became aware of the clusters early on Monday evening and contacted the Public Health Agency first thing yesterday morning, only to be told that the organisation does not comment on individual cases.

However, the Agency is reminding people to contact them if they are experiencing symptoms so that measures, including track and trace, can be implemented as soon as possible.

Strangford MLA Peter Weir raised the spike in coronavirus cases yesterday with Stormont health minister Robin Swann, while Rowallane councillors held an emergency virtual meeting to discuss the outbreak.

In the wake of a recent increase in the number coronavirus cases in the Co Down area, the councillors have appealed to people to remain calm and to follow social distancing and hand hygiene guidelines as the virus is still very much out there.

In addition, the politicians have issued a reminder to people to contact health officials if they are experiencing coronavirus symptoms so that measures, including track and trace, can be implemented as quickly as possible in a bid to halt the spread of the disease.

The Rowallane councillors — who have been contacted by concerned residents and business owners in Ballynahinch and Crossgar — wanted to issue a joint statement on the matter, but said they were refused permission to do so by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

The councillors are encouraging anyone concerned that they may have the virus to book an appointment to visit a mobile testing unit currently located at the Down Leisure Centre in Downpatrick.

Rowallane DEA chairwoman, Cllr Kathryn Owen, confirmed that residents and representatives from the business community have been in touch with the five councillors who represent the area.

“While we have not been told anything official about the reported clusters, there is clearly concern in the community. At this stage, neither the Public Health Agency nor the Department of Health have indicated an increase in local coronavirus cases,” she continued.

“The virus is still out there and it is essential that people continue to follow public health guidelines, particularly social distancing and hand hygiene and to use face coverings, if and when required.”

Cllr Owen continued: “Rowallane is still very much open for business and as long as everyone abides by the guidelines then we should be able to carry on as relatively normal.”

The Rowallane councillor also confirmed that she and her colleagues plan to raise the reported cluster of local coronavirus cases with Stormont health minister Robin Swann.

Cllr Owen added: “Given the concern in the area we have collectively decided to write jointly to Mr Swann and Public Health Agency on this issue.”

South Down MLAs Colin McGrath and Emma Rogan have called for a swift response to the suspected outbreak.

Mr McGrath said it was concerning to learn that the virus has spiked in the Crossgar and Ballynahinch area which, he said, underscores the need for people to remain vigilant and ensure that they continue to wash their hands and observe social distancing rules.

He continued: “While we have had many easements to regulations that were in place to guide us through this pandemic, it is apparent that it is still in our community and spikes can occur at any stage in any place.

“I welcome that the Department of Health has moved quickly to isolate this outbreak and would ask the community to be vigilant of further cases and to follow any official directions to try and contain the spread of the virus.”

Mr McGrath said contact tracing is an important element and if anyone is asked to isolate they should do so immediately. He said it is through working together with the authorities that we will contain any spread.”

Ms Rogan called on the Public Health Agency to keep people updated and allay their fears about the spread of the virus. 

She added: “Rumours are unhelpful and damaging to local confidence. Businesses have acted in good faith changing to adapt to the new normal and I would appeal to people if they have symptoms to self isolate and seek medical advice. People need to remember best practice is to social distance, wash hands and use sanitising stations.”