COVID-19, coronavirus cases and special measures

Information Standards Freedom of Information Response

Our Ref: FoI 58-20

16 December 2020

Freedom of Information Act 2000

I can confirm that the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission (Assembly Commission) holds information relevant to your request of 13 November 2020.  In your request you asked for the following information:

“1.How many positive cases of Covid-19 have been notified in MLAs and Assembly staff?”

As of the 13 November 2020, the Assembly Commission has been notified of four Assembly Secretariat Staff (Secretariat Staff) and one MLA who have received a positive diagnosis for Covid-19.  Please note, MLAs are asked to notify the Assembly Commission that they have received a positive diagnosis if they have been in Parliament Buildings within 72 hours of receiving this diagnosis.

 

“2.How many MLAs and staff have notified of having to self-isolate due to a close contact testing positive for Covid-19?”

MLAs are not required to notify the Assembly Commission if they have a period of self-isolation due to a close contact testing positive for Covid-19 and therefore we do not hold this information.

The number of Secretariat Staff who have notified of having to self-isolate due to a close contact testing positive for Covid-19 as of 13 November 2020 is 16.

 

“3.What adaptions and or special measures were put into place at Assembly buildings to minimise potential transmission of the virus, and at what expense?”

In order to minimise potential transfer of the virus, the Assembly Commission has put social distancing measures in place throughout Parliament Buildings. This has required the erection of screens in some areas.

The Assembly Commission has provided hand sanitiser stations throughout the building and ensured a supply of soap and paper towels at all toilets and tea points. Where appropriate and required, the Assembly Commission has provided a range of PPE, including gloves, face coverings and face shields.

The following table summarises the costs to date.

ItemCost (£)

Screens

7,671.18

Sanitiser stations

7,957.90

Wipes, sanitiser, paper rolls, spray, gloves, face coverings, face shields, signage etc.

19,975.45

Total

35,604.53

 

If you feel that the information we have provided does not meet your request fully, please contact this office as soon as possible.  You have the right to request a formal review by the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission and if you wish to do so, please write to me at the above address.

If after such an internal review you are still unhappy with the response, you have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow,  Cheshire SK9 5AF who will undertake an independent review.

If you have any queries about this letter, please contact me.  Please remember to quote the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

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