Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has said rising rates of the Delta Variant are a serious concern.

The Sinn Féin health spokesperson said:

“Half of all the north’s current COVID cases are linked to the Delta variant and experts believe it will become the dominant variant in the coming days. 

“Clusters of the Delta variant have been uncovered in Ballymoney, Omagh, parts of Co. Down and in the northwest of the island with a spike in Derry and Strabane.

“It is important that the Department of Health move quickly to identify and isolate where the clusters are forming. 

“Health authorities across the island need to work together to tackle the spread of the variant. 

“The testing, tracing and isolating system must be flexible and respond instantly to any outbreak across the north and the island as a whole. 

“I urge the public to continue to use extreme care with personal hygiene, mask wearing and all other public health guidance.”