COVID-19 A to Z

Coronavirus (COVID-19) words and terms explained in plain English

The COVID-19 ID Project aims to improve people’s health literacy about COVID-19 by providing accurate and up-to-date information which will increase knowledge, understanding and confidence and enable people to make good health decisions.

During the COVID-19 outbreak there are many words and terms being used regularly on news, radio, TV and online that we might never have seen, heard or used before. To help improve everyone’s understanding Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) has compiled an A-Z glossary of COVID-19 words and terms with plain English explanations. This glossary has been adapted (with permission) for a Northern Ireland context from National Adult Literacy Agency Coronavirus COVID-19 words and terms explained in plain English.

As COVID-19 is a new and emerging situation they will be updating this glossary as often as possible with relevant words and terms. If there are any words and terms relating to COVID-19 that you would like to see included in the glossary, please email [email protected]

The latest information on the COVID-19 and its effects in Northern Ireland can be found on the following official websites:

Official information about all aspects of Covid-19

NI Direct

Health information about Covid-19

Public Health Agency (PHA)

Impact of Covid-19 on health and social care services e.g. appointments with GP, dentist, hospital etc

Official Government information can be found on the Department of Health website and the Northern Ireland Executive website

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Top up your COVID-19 protection with the spring booster

The COVID-19 spring booster vaccination programme gets under way today [Monday 15 April], giving the more vulnerable members of our community the opportunity to top up their protection ahead of any potential waves of COVID-19 over the coming months.
ASCERT Training Courses now available

ASCERT has a range of upcoming training opportunities including Understanding Alcohol, Working with Young People & Substance Misuse, Substance Misuse Awareness and more.
BHSCT - Mental Health Improvement & Suicide Prevention Training Guide for 2024-2025.

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Health Improvement Team have released its Mental Health Improvement & Suicide Prevention Training Guide for 2024-2025.
Northern Ireland Bereavement Support Website launched

Northern Ireland Bereavement Support Website has recently been launched
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