COVID-19 outbreaks at sports clubs, gyms, businesses and a school

St Anthony’s Primary School in Craigavon revealed on Friday that two pupils from the same family had tested positive for the virus.

A number of gyms, football clubs and businesses have been affected across the Lurgan and Craigavon area.

It follows news last week that Craigavon Hospital had two COVID-19 clusters with 21 cases confirmed.

A cafe at Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon also revealed a member of staff had tested positive.

St Anthony’s Principal Mr P Mallon said the school had sought and followed the most up-to-date advice from the Public Health Agency.

“Parents of the children in these classes were informed as well as all relevant bodies.

“All children in these bubbles were sent home and these two classes will remain closed until further notice. An enhanced clean of the school has been arranged.

“I do appreciate the concerns of parents, pupils, and the wider school community and wish to reassure you that every precaution has been taken.

“All other children remain unaffected and should return to school as normal on Tuesday, September 1.

“Ensuring the safe return of pupils and staff to school is my absolute priority and I will continue to monitor this situation carefully and keep you informed. Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time.”

Meanwhile two GAA clubs also released statements on clusters their clubs.

The Chairman of St Peter’s GAC in Lurgan Mr Paul Lavery said: “As of now, some 87 members have been tested with five players proving positive and we sincerely hope those who tested positive will make a speedy return to good health.

“All are following public health guidelines and staff in the Public Health Agency have commended the Club and its members on the manner in which we have engaged their test and trace procedures. Alongside this, our Club buildings have been sanitised - the 3rd time in as many months - in order to be COVID free and our Social Club premises remain closed to allow the Club executive committee to review its Covid-19 protocols.

“All football activity at the Club is still temporarily suspended as we continue to engage with the Armagh County Board & Armagh Ladies Board and take direction from the Public Health Agency on health related matters.

“Meanwhile, we urge all our members and especially our young people to exercise restraint & good hygiene when socialising and consider the health & well-being of their parents, grandparents and family members & friends particularly those who have underlying health conditions and all of us should do everything possible to prevent the spread of coronavirus.”

Meanwhile another Lurgan club Clan na Gael CLG said it has a number of members and players tested.

A spokesperson said: “The Club has received notice of further positive results regarding Covid-19. We now have 3 confirmed positive tests with our men’s senior squad and 1 with our boys minor squad. Over 50 have been tested with no other positive results other than those mentioned above. A similar number of club members linked to the minor squad have been tested today. Again we continue to work with the County Board and are following the Public Health Guidance. All club facilities are closed and activities postponed as a precautionary measure at this time. The club facilities received a further deep clean.”

It is understood three gyms, a bar and a number of businesses have been affected by the outbreak.

Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd said: “There have been several reported incidents of positive Covid 19 tests in the Lurgan area affecting sports clubs, gyms and bars. I would appeal for everyone to practice social distancing, hand washing and wear a face covering. Keep each other safe. Further advice available here.”

Alliance Cllr Peter Lavery said: “Over the past week there have been a number of Covid-19 cases reported in the Lurgan/Craigavon area. Please maintain social distancing, wash your hands well and wear a face covering.

“Three gyms in Lurgan temporarily closed for deep cleans.

“A member of staff at Female Fitness and at Columbia Gym tested positive for Covid-19. A customer at Focus Strength & Conditioning tested positive.

“Two GAA clubs have reported positive tests, and Ballyhoran Football Club has suspended all activity after a player tested positive.

St Anthony’s Primary school in Craigavon has confirmed that two pupils from the one family have tested positive and that two classes have been sent home.

“Master McGrath’s in Lurgan has closed as a precautionary measure, after a family member of one of the staff tested positive.

“Thank you to the schools, sports clubs and businesses who are showing leadership and taking action to keep the public safe.”

DUP MP Carla Lockhart said: “A number of positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in LURGAN in the last 24 hours, in addition to those associated with Craigavon Hospital.

“I would urge the public to remain calm, and follow the guidance - wash your hands, social distance, wear a face mask.

“Wishing all those affected a speedy recovery and once again a big thank you to our healthcare workers.”

https://www.portadowntimes.co.uk/news/people/ni-shopping-centre-cafe-remains-open-after-staff-member-tests-positive-covid-19-2955774

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you