Concern over Delta variant

Concern over Delta variant

30 June 2021

POP-UP vaccination clinics will open in Castlewellan and Newcastle next week in response to worrying concerns that a new strain of the coronavirus is circulating locally.

The Public Health Agency has revealed that while a number of probable cases of the Delta variant have been identified in the Castlewellan area, this has yet to be confirmed.

In addition to the vaccination clinics, asymptomatic people aged between 18 and 40 from selected neighbourhoods within the Castlewellan area are also being advised to get tested for the virus.

Those asked to come forward will be contacted by letter from this Friday, with testing taking place daily at Castlewellan Community Centre between 9am and 3pm. A booking will be required by visiting https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

News of the potential spread of the Delta variant comes after a business in Newcastle announced last week that it was closing for two days for a deep clean after a staff member tested positive, while a planned football match between Killough FC and Castlewellan in Ballykinlar last Thursday night was also postponed due to concerns around the circulation of the virus.

A major outdoor event involving members of Men’s Sheds from across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area due to take place in Downpatrick last weekend was also cancelled, while the Recorder understands that there are concerns the Delta variant could also be circulating in Dundrum.

South Eastern Trust staff will be administering the vaccine in Castlewellan on Saturday and Newcastle on Sunday as part of the drive to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible. Booking is not required at the mobile clinics which will deliver the Moderna vaccine.

Vaccination buses will be at the Castlewellan Community Centre at Circular Road in the town between 11am and 7pm and Newcastle’s Donard Park car park the following day, also between 11am and 7pm.

It has also been confirmed that further clinics are being planned for different locations across the area in the coming days and weeks.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has described the appeal to people in the Castlewellan area to get tested as a “precautionary measure” to identify asymptomatic cases and help prevent and delay further spread of the virus.

It says that slowing the spread of the virus allows more people in the community to get vaccinated and get protected against Covid-19 which is effective against the Delta variant.

The Agency’s Dr Brid Farrell said coronavirus testing is open to those aged between 18 and 40 at a time when there are more cases of the Delta variant in this particular age group.

“We encourage those eligible in the neighbourhoods identified by the Agency to book a slot for testing when they receive their letter, preferably within 24 to 72 hours of receipt,” she continued.

“We are seeing cases of the Delta variant across all council areas of Northern Ireland and this is a reminder to everyone that we should take steps now to help reduce the spread of the variant, and avoid becoming complacent.”

Dr Farrell said everyone over the age of 18 who has not yet booked their vaccine should do so now with those who have had their first jab urged to make sure they attend their vaccination centre for a second one.

She added: “Two doses of the vaccine appears to have a high degree of effectiveness against the Delta variant and getting it will not only help protect you, but also more vulnerable members of our community. Vaccine booking and further information are available at covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is supporting the call for asymptomatic people aged between 18 and 40 in selected neighbourhoods within the Castlewellan area to come forward for testing to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.

Council chairwoman Cathy Mason highlighted the importance of acting early so people can help reduce the spread of the virus.

“If you receive a letter I would appeal to you to get tested and do your bit to reduce the potential spread in your community. I would also remind people of the importance of continuing to follow public health guidance to keep everyone safe,” she added.

Slieve Croob councillor Alan Lewis said local politicians were informed last Thursday that the Delta variant had been detected in Castlewellan, with the PHA moving quickly to  establish a mobile test centre at the town’s community centre.

“The Agency is urgently working to identify where the variant came from and how it has spread, which may involve looking at house parties, sports clubs, bars or restaurants. All procedures are in place and should make the job of tracing transmission easier,” he said.

Cllr Lewis said the local authority is also ready to facilitate and coordinate a team of community volunteers should they be required to deliver home test kits.

He added: “I can’t foresee the current situation going on for days and there should be minimum disruption to trade or residents going about their business and would remind people to remember to socially distance, sanitise, wash their hands and take precautions.”