Covid outbreak halts visiting at 13 care homes

THIRTEEN care homes in the Western Health Trust area covering large parts of Tyrone are closed to visiting as a result of Covid-19 outbreaks.

At a media briefing earlier today,  Bob Brown a director at the Trust explained that only ‘end of life visits’ will be permitted in the homes, until an evaluation declares them safe to return to normal visiting standards. 

Residents in care homes which are not part of the 13 can now enjoy three visits per week, subject to to individual case assessments. 

Dr Brown praised the staff in care homes and hospitals for their “resilience”, saying “we are very proud of all our staff.”

At the briefing, the Western Health Trust representatives also said that from July 31, first time vaccinations will no longer be available at the three mass vaccination centres in Omagh, Enniskillen and Derry, but mobile clinics will be available throughout August. 

The discussion also noted that over 200,00 jabs have been administered in the Western Trust region, with 82 per-cent of the adult population having received a first vaccine, however only 59 per-cent of 18-29 age bracket, and 70 per-cent of 30-39 age bracket.