Northern Ireland

Coronavirus: Over-75s account for almost 80% of all deaths

Almost half of all coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the north's care homes
Almost half of all coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the north's care homes Almost half of all coronavirus deaths have been recorded in the north's care homes

The number of deaths from coronavirus in Northern Ireland's care homes has fallen for the second week running.

Newly-released figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) show that in the week to 15 May, there were 32 deaths in care homes - higher than the 27 deaths recorded by hospitals that week.

A total of 38 people died in care homes the previous week. 

READ MORE: Robin Swann defends handling of care home crisisOpens in new window ]

Care home deaths peaked in the week up to May 1, with 72 fatalities.

The figures show that coronavirus has hit the north's care homes hard. Homes accounted for almost half of the 664 Covid-19 deaths recorded by Nisra up to May 15.

Of the 664 coronavirus deaths, 303 happened in care homes, 322 happened in hospital and six were recorded in hospices. 

Thirty-three deaths happened at residential addresses or another location.

A total of 76 care homes and hospices have recorded coronavirus deaths.

Coronavirus has badly affected people aged over 75
Coronavirus has badly affected people aged over 75 Coronavirus has badly affected people aged over 75

People aged over 75 accounted for almost 80% of all Covid-19 fatalities.

Nisra began recording coronavirus deaths on March 20 following concerns that daily death and infection statistics from the Department of Health, which mainly covered deaths in hospitals, were not providing a full picture of the scale of the pandemic.

Nisra publishes weekly statistics which total all deaths where coronavirus has been recorded on the death certificate.

According to Nisra statistics, the highest number of deaths have been recorded in the Belfast council area with a total of 196 fatalities.

Fermanagh and Omagh registered the fewest deaths, with just 16 fatalities.