THE south-east of Fermanagh seems to have taken a hit with a recent upsurge in positive Covid-19 cases in the area.

In recent days, St. Kevin’s College in Lisnaskea has reported that one of their Year 11 students tested positive for the virus, while Western Brand Poultry Products has confirmed there have been four positive cases within its workforce.

Western Brand’s General Manager, Michael Liddle, confirmed the new cases and said he did not forsee any risk to production at the factory with the new cases.

He said: “We are continuing to encourage all staff to follow HSE guidelines, to practice good hygiene and social distancing in and out of work, and to be aware of all of the symptoms and take no chances.

“Our ongoing discussions with the HSE and PHA very clearly indicate that the best action we can all take in preventing the spread of Covid-19 is good hand hygiene, and reducing the number of people we come into contact with.

“Although it is second nature for those working in the food industry to wash our hands and apply sanitiser often, it is worrying how often this simple precaution is being ignored outside the workplace,” said Mr. Liddle.

In a post on the school’s Facebook page at the weekend, St. Kevin’s Principal, Gary Kelly, said: “A Year 11 St. Kevin’s College pupil has tested positive for Covid-19 last night, I have just found out today.

“This pupil has been self-isolating since Wednesday morning at around 10.30 am.

“The following pupils have to self isolate for three days initially - All pupils in 11KG bubble. All pupils in Year 11 Sociology, RE, Irish, Health & Social Care, and Mrs Edwards’ Double Award Science Class.

“All pupils on Knocks/Carrickyheenan Morning, and Afternoon Buses (Greg’s and Seamus’).”

Sport has also been affected by the recent spike, with Brookeborough GAC cancelling its Fundamental coaching on Monday night, while Lisnaskea Rovers have also had positive cases amongst its players.

Fermanagh and Western Chairman Neil Jardine said: “Lisnaskea Rovers have officially informed us that they are stepping down all club activities for the next seven days, due to two positive test results within the club, one of whom was a player who played for their Reserves against Killen IIIs on Saturday.

“Both Lisnaskea games this weekend have been postponed and we, as a league, appreciate the actions of the club, and we will try to be as flexible as we can.”

There has been speculation that the spike in cases came from a family gathering in The Knocks which included people who travelled from outside the county, including England.

Other areas of Fermanagh have also been effected by Covid-19 in recent weeks.

Fermanagh Ladies GFA also cancelled Under-16 games throughout the county due to an increase in Covid-19 cases among 14-19-year-olds.

Tesco in Enniskillen has had positive case amongst its staff, but would not comment on how many, saying it was a “small number”, although the figure is believed to be at least four positive cases.

An Enniskillen Royal Grammar School Year 14 student also tested positive, while there was a positive case in the MOT Centre in Enniskillen, with parents and guardian being informed last weekend.

Encirc, in Derrylin, has also confirmed three new cases of Covid-19 in the past week.

A spokesperson for the company said: “It is important to clarify that the evidence suggests the cases are very likely due to community transmission, not the workplace.

“Encirc has been in close contact with the relevant health authorities, who have praised the rigorous measures and procedures we have had in place since the beginning of this pandemic to create the safest possible working environment.”