Northern Ireland intends to increase the frequency of COVID-19 testing for care home staff.
Regular testing of care staff will now be performed once a week instead of every two weeks. The new cycle will be implemented from the next week, and care homes are being instructed to make arrangements for the same.
Health Minister Robin Swann emphasised that care homes remain a key area of focus in the battle against COVID-19 and are under immense pressure like the rest of the health and social care system. He also clarified that logistical challenges associated with the expanded testing are not being underestimated.
Minister Swann said: “No one should be taking any false assurance from the welcome drop in positive cases we have seen in Northern Ireland in recent days. The more prevalent the virus is in our community, the greater the risk of it spreading into our care homes.”
