DAERA to test up to 1,000 samples a day in fight against COVID-19

DAERA’s Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) will assist the health service in testing up to 1,000 samples a day from suspect COVID-19 cases, Minister Edwin Poots has confirmed.

AFBI will deliver this service via a newly established consortium with Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, to support the health service in Northern Ireland and help in the fight against COVID-19.

Minister Poots said: “I want to do all I can to help with the fight against COVID-19 and I am pleased to announce that AFBI laboratories and staff will undertake testing in support of our local HSC testing requirements. We must all work together, across government to support the Health Minister and the Health Trusts in any way we can. 

“Subject to us being able to secure the key test kits and reagents, AFBI is able to offer its technical and scientific expertise which will hugely support the HSC efforts in the critical area of diagnostic testing. When fully operational in a number of weeks it is expected that AFBI may test up to 1,000 samples per day. 

“If there is one message I want to reinforce, it is that we are all in this together. Through continued co-operation and collaboration and by supporting each other we will get through this.” 

AFBI will conduct the tests at its labs in Stormont and testing is planned to commence shortly, for an initial 12 week period. AFBI is working in collaboration with Queen’s and Ulster Universities on this important testing initiative through the recently established consortium. 

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “All those bodies who have stepped forward to assist with increasing our testing capacity will play a crucial part in enhancing our armoury as we fight against covid-19. 

“I wish to take this opportunity to express my personal thanks to colleagues in AFBI, Queen’s and Ulster Universities and I also pass on the thanks of my frontline staff and the community as a whole for their efforts.”    

Notes to editors: 

1. Queen’s will act as the liaison with DoH, PHA and the trusts’ lab network and have also offer staff to help undertake testing at VSD.
2.  UU are working mainly with the Western HSC Trust to establish and support testing at Altnagelvin.
3. Ulster University's work in the consortium is led by Professor Tony Bjourson working alongside C-TRIC and the Western HSC Trust to establish and support testing at Altnagelvin. The Queen’s work in the consortium is being led by Professor Stuart Elborn, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Medicine, Health and Life Sciences at Queen’s University.
4. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office at pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk.  Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer on 028 9037 8110.
5. Follow us on Twitter @daerani and Facebook @daerani.gov.uk

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