Lockdown restrictions could be reimposed if needs be “on a local or regional basis”, a Sinn Féin MLA has said.
Caoimhe Archibald was speaking after a cluster of COVID-19 cases was identified in Co Derry on Thursday.
The Public Health Agency identified a cluster of Coronavirus cases in Limavady.
The agency says it is linking them to a social gathering in a private or residential setting in Limavady.
In a statement, the agency said: “Testing and contact tracing is being carried out to identify anyone who may be potentially affected and to help prevent any further spread.”
Speaking on Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme on Friday, the Sinn Fein East Derry MLA said where local clusters are being identified “we need to contain them as much as possible”.
“The executive has been clear that if restrictions need to be reimposed then that will happen and if it needs to be on a local or regional basis to contain the virus then that can happen.”
Ms Archibald said it is concerning “first and foremost” for those impacted but also “for the local community and more widely”.
“It was anticipated that as we began to reopen the economy and society that we may see increased instances and clusters like this.
“That’s where the test, trace and isolate comes in and it’s absolutely critical for us to be able to contain the virus that those procedures are in place.”
The MLA stressed the importance of continuing to follow social distancing guidelines and maintaining good hygiene.
She added the situation would continue to be monitored as it unfolds.
