DAERA to test up 1,000 COVID-19 samples a day

by Q Radio News

DAERA's Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is to start testing up to 1,000 samples a day from suspect COVID-19 cases. 

It will deliver the service alongside Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University, to support the health service in tackling coronavirus in Northern Ireland. 

Testing will be conducted at AFBI labs in Stormont and is planned to commence shortly for an initial 12 week period.

The initiative was announced by Minister Edwin Poots today.

He said, “I want to do all I can to help with the fight against COVID-19 and I am pleased to announce that AFBI laboratories and staff will undertake testing in support of our local HSC testing requirements.

"We must all work together, across government to support the Health Minister and the Health Trusts in any way we can.  

"Subject to us being able to secure the key test kits and reagents, AFBI is able to offer its technical and scientific expertise which will hugely support the HSC efforts in the critical area of diagnostic testing.

"When fully operational in a number of weeks it is expected that AFBI may test up to 1,000 samples per day. 

“If there is one message I want to reinforce, it is that we are all in this together. Through continued co-operation and collaboration and by supporting each other we will get through this.” 

AFBI is working in collaboration with Queen’s and Ulster Universities on this important testing initiative through the recently established consortium.  

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “All those bodies who have stepped forward to assist with increasing our testing capacity will play a crucial part in enhancing our armoury as we fight against covid-19. 

“I wish to take this opportunity to express my personal thanks to colleagues in AFBI, Queen’s and Ulster Universities and I also pass on the thanks of my frontline staff and the community as a whole for their efforts.”