Conor Murphy becomes fourth person on the Executive to have to self-isolate

by Q Radio News

It's understood the Finance Minister Conor Murphy is currently self isolating, after a member of his household tested positive for COVID-19.

Mr Murphy of Sinn Fein is one of four Executive Ministers in quarantine, along with Robin Swann, Caral Ni Chiulin and Michelle O'Neill.

A close family member tested positive for Covid 19. I currently have no symptoms. I will be testing and working from home for the next 14 days.

— Conor Murphy (@conormurphysf) October 22, 2020

Health Minister Robin Swann announced he is self-isolating after receiving a close proximity notification from the STOP Covid NI track and trace app. 

Yesterday, Mr Swann's UUP colleague John Stewart confirmed he had tested positive for coronavirus, after feeling ill and suffering symptoms of a headache, as well as fatigue. 

Mr Stewart said, “Sadly I have tested positive for Covid-19 today. Felt really unwell Monday, booked a test Tuesday & result today,” he said.

“Very fast & efficient. Feeling ill, head pounding & really fatigued.”

Several other MLAs have also said they are isolating after receiving a close proximity notice. 

In a social media post, Minister Swann said he will continue to carry out his ministerial duties remotely, while he quarantines for the required 14 days. 

We are all in this together.

Earlier this evening I received a close proximity notification via our StopCOVID NI App, so I will be working from self isolation for the next 14 days.

Download #StopCovidNI help break the infection chain...

— Robin Swann MLA : #StopCovidNI (@RobinSwannMoH) October 21, 2020

A statement from the Department of Health said Minister Swann does not have symptoms and will only require a test, if he develops one of the coronavirus symptoms. 

An exposure notification from the app means the user has been close to another user who has tested positive.

Self-isolation is required for 14 days when a notification is required.

Meanwhile, DUP MLA Pam Cameron and UUP East Belfast MLA Andy Allen say they are also self-isolaing after receiving alerts via the app.

Ms Cameron tweeted: “The ‘ping’ you don’t want from your phone…Now self-isolating for 14days.”

Responding to Ms Cameron, independent MLA Trevor Lunn said he was also self-isolating, and was on his fourth day of doing so.

“It’s a pain but necessary. I’m four days in,” he said.

The Sinn Fein MLA Órlaithí Flynn is also self-isolating.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill has been isolating for almost two weeks and due to finish her period of quarantine this week, after a family member tested positive for the virus. 

Stormont communities minister Caral Ni Chuilin is also isolating at home, after a family member contracted covid-19.

A spokesperson for the Assembly said tracing work is under way.

“We have been notified that an MLA has tested positive for Covid-19.

“We are currently tracing all of the MLA’s interactions with other building users in order to determine if any additional measures are needed at this time,” they said.

“We are also aware that a number of other MLAs are self-isolating at home.

“An enhanced cleaning regime has been in operation throughout Parliament Buildings during the Covid-19 health crisis and a comprehensive range of measures have been put in place to minimise the risk from Covid-19 to help to ensure the safety of all building users.

“All of these measures are kept under constant review.”