Coronanvirus: Strabane firm O'Neills part closes as staff test positive

One of the north west's biggest employers has closed part of its factory after seven staff tested positive for Covid-19.

A further 21 employees are currently self-isolating "as a precautionary measure", Strabane-based sportswear firm O'Neills said.

The company confirmed five staff had tested positive on Thursday.

Managing director Kieran Kennedy said two more workers have since been diagnosed with coronavirus.

"An employee who had symptoms went to get a test last weekend, got the test, then went to the pub, met a few work colleagues and now they have all got it," Mr Kennedy told BBC Radio Foyle.

He said he addressed staff at the factory on Thursday to remind them of their personal responsibilities.

"As a company we can only do our best to try and keep our employees safe and our employees safety is of paramount importance," he said.

Part of the factory's production unit has now been closed for a deep clean.

The company said it is liaising closely with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to monitor the situation.

Arrangements have been made for staff to work from home where possible pending the re-opening of the premises.

O'Neills is the biggest private sector employer in Strabane, County Tyrone.

Half its workforce come from across the border in County Donegal.

There are concerns about the rising number of cases of coronavirus on both sides of the border in the north west.

On Wednesday, Holy Cross College in Strabane closed after three positive cases were recorded in the "school community" since last weekend.

New restrictions come into force in Donegal from midnight on Friday.