Eight PSNI officers test positive for Covid-19

Antrim station and another nearby, Newtownabbey, have been closed for deep cleans to be carried out.

Eight PSNI officers in a station in Northern Ireland have tested positive for Covid-19.

Antrim station and another nearby, Newtownabbey, have been closed for deep cleans to be carried out.

Police across the district are self-isolating and will be tested, a senior commander said.

Following reports of a number of our officers from Antrim Station being unwell, these officers have undergone testing for Covid-19. At this time, eight of our officers have tested positive for the virus.

Read more from ACC Alan Todd here: https://t.co/IyHkMF1OY6

— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 22, 2020

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “Following reports of a number of officers from Antrim station being unwell, these officers have undergone testing for Covid-19.

“At this time, eight of these officers have tested positive for the virus.

“We have undertaken, and we will continue to undertake, a range of appropriate measures, in line with public health advice and guidance, to address the issue.”

Antrim’s Serious Crime Suite has been used in the past to interview those suspected of paramilitary involvement as well as other major crime.

Mr Todd said the force has plans in place to ensure continuance of service delivery to keep people and communities safe.

“We are also working to identify any other risks arising from this outbreak and will address those with our health care partners,” he said.