Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
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Sign up for bug vaccine trials 500,000 Fear on pupils’ mental health Swann’s condolences to family
VOLUNTEERS are being sought to take part in the drive to discover a vaccine against Covid-19.
The Public Health Agency said the new research registry will help large numbers of people to be recruited into trials over the coming months.
It has been developed as part of the UK Government’s Vaccine Taskforce, which includes the Northern
Ireland, Scottish and Welsh governments.
It is understood ministers hope to get 500,000 people signed up by October.
The Public Health Agency’s Dr Janice Bailie said: “Researchers are working to find a vaccine but without the help of the general public willing to participate in vaccine trials, this work will not be able to succeed.”
Scientists are looking for people from all backgrounds and ages, including those with or without health conditions to take part in studies.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I would like everyone to consider signing up to this register so researchers and the public here can contribute to the global effort to find a vaccine for Covid-19 and help save lives in the future.”
Sign up for the NHS Covid-19 vaccine research registry at www.nhs.uk/researchcontact.
Target for number of people in the UK to join new research registry
NINE in 10 teachers believe the Covid-19 outbreak will damage the mental health and wellbeing of pupils, a children’s charity has said.
Youngsters will begin returning to classrooms this month for the first time since lockdown began in March.
Barnardo’s NI said Stormont needs to invest more in helping schools put mental health at the heart of the education system
Garry Matthewson, principal of
Holy Family Primary School in Derry, added: “We know for some children, this pandemic has been immensely difficult and we are very keen to get them all back to school safely.”
Pupils going into years seven, 12 and 14 are to return on August 24, with all others back from August 31.
A report from Barnardo’s NI also urged minsisters to prioritise mental health and wellbeing in the curriculum as the system recovers from the shutdown forced by the virus.
It added more than 90% of teachers agreed Covid-19 had affected their school’s ability to support pupils with psychological issues.
The charity’s Julie Healy said: “With the new term on the horizon, schools are preparing to continue learning in a changed environment and we must act to put children’s mental health at the heart of education.”
ROBIN Swann has urged people to “remain on high alert against Covid-19” following the first death recorded by the Department of Health in almost a month.
The victim passed away between Sunday and yesterday, bringing the total fatalaties here to 557.
Commenting after his Department revealed the latest death, Health Minister Swann expressed his “deepest condolences” to the family and friends of the deceased.
He said: “This is very distressing news and it underlines once again the threat posed by Covid-19.”
A total of 76 new cases have been identified since Friday, bringing the overall toll in Northern Ireland to 6,140. The Department of Health’s dashboard also revealed the number of people testing positive over the past seven days stands at 165. The rate of infections diagnosed over the past three weekends has been rising steadily. A total of 40 new cases were reported in the weekend ending August 3 while 21 were identified the previous weekend. Mr Swann added: “I urge everyone across Northern Ireland to do everything they can to keep themselves and others safe. We all have to remain on high alert. There are practical and vital steps we can each take – including maintaining social distancing, washing our hands and wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces like shops.
“The chief scientific adviser and chief medical officer have warned