There have been 85 new positive cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours, according to the Department of Health.
The death toll remains at 560.
It comes as the Southern Health Trust released an update on the amount of Craigavon Area Hospital (CAH) staff testing positive following a reported cluster earlier this week.
So far 11 staff members have tested positive for Covid-19 – three in the emergency department and eight in haematology.
“Approximately 150 staff members from within the emergency department (ED) have been tested. All results to date are negative,” said a Trust spokesperson.
“One of the positive staff members from ED had covered a shift in a Trauma theatre CAH. As a precaution, seven members of staff from T&O theatres are currently off self-isolating but no further positive cases have been reported from this group.
“As a result of reduced staffing levels, the theatre department is unable to provide double trauma lists daily to meet with demand. A planned Orthopaedic surgical list on Wednesday, September 2 has been cancelled to ensure there is trauma list provision.
“There is no impact to the Trauma theatre sessions Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Monday.”
On the haematology ward, four patients connected with the ward have tested positive within last 48 hours. Six patients previously reported as positive.
Eight members of staff have tested positive and are currently off and self-isolating.
The spokesperson added: “Contacts of these staff members have been identified and are isolating as a precaution.
“All other members of staff connected to the ward are being tested again as a precaution.”
The Trust further confirmed that a detailed investigation is on-going and that the ward remains closed to new admissions.
“Trust staff continue to work closely with the Public Health Agency to manage the situation. The PHA Contact Tracing Service has been following up with any confirmed Contacts within the wider Community.
“The safety of patients, staff and wider contacts remains a priority.
“There will be no routine visiting to the ward until further notice unless in exceptional circumstances.”
Virtual visiting is available on request by contacting 077 7651 6419 between 9am and 5pm.
The spokesperson concluded: “We urgently appeal to everyone to wash their hands and maintain social distancing.
“As the Health Minister has stated publicly, clusters and outbreaks are anticipated in hospitals, we all have to do everything we can to limit the spread of the virus and deal with any outbreaks swiftly and effectively.”
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