LISTEN - 8 police officers test positive for COVID-19 and 50 others isolate after outbreak in Co.Antrim

By Q Radio News

8 police officers are understood to have tested positive for Covid-19.

The outbreak in Antrim and Newtownabbey means a further 50 PSNI officers are self isolating.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “Following reports of a number of officers from Antrim Station being unwell, these officers have undergone testing for Covid-19. At this time, eight of these officers have tested positive for the virus.  

“We have undertaken, and we will continue to undertake a range of appropriate measures, in line with public health advice and guidance, to address the issue. This includes the closure of both Antrim and Newtownabbey stations in order to conduct a deep clean.

“Colleagues from across the district are also self-isolating and will undergo testing for Covid-19 tested.  

“I want to reassure public that we have plans in place to ensure continuance of service delivery to keep our people and our communities safe.

“We are also working to identify any other risks arising from this outbreak and will address those with our health care partners.”

Pic: Antrim PSNI Station 

8 confirmed cases and over 50 @PoliceServiceNI officers isolating following #COVID19 outbreak in Antrim / Newtownabbey. Stations closed and welfare hub running to support our colleagues during this time. #weareyou @PSNIANDistrict @NIPolicingBoard @healthdpt pic.twitter.com/FQtRQhEA32

— Police Federation for Northern Ireland (@PoliceFedforNI) August 22, 2020

Meanwhle,

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has said everything possible will be done to support 8 officers who have confirmed positive for Covid-19 and a further 50 who are self-isolating.

Two stations in Antrim and Newtownabbey will remain closed for a week.

PFNI Chair, Mark Lindsay, said “It is essential that for the welfare of officers and the public, any signs of this disease must be tackled at the earliest opportunity. A welfare hub is in operation to support our colleagues at this time. “Everything possible will be done to support the officers who are affected. This outbreak in Antrim and Newtownabbey stations once again shows the extent to which officers put themselves at risk protecting society as a whole. “Strenuous tracking and tracing are being conducted. In the meantime, our thoughts are with the officers who have the disease and I would like to wish them a speedy recovery.”

Meanwhile, Mark Lindsay has been speaking to Q Radio:

Another 71 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland over the past 24 hoours, the Department of Health said, bringing the total to 6,647.