Northern Ireland

Covid-19: 1,083 new cases confirmed

By Digital Staff

Another 1,083 people have tested positive for Covid-19, the Department of Health has said.

It is the highest daily number of new cases in six months.

There were no further deaths recorded in the latest 24-hour reporting period, meaning the total number of deaths confirmed by the department remains at 2,159.

This morning there were 80 inpatients with coronavirus. There are two patients in intensive care, one of whom has been ventilated.

All hospitals in the north are operating beyond capacity apart from Downe Hospital and Lagan Valley Hospital.

The seven-day infection rate per 100,000 is 234.3. The area with the highest rate is Derry and Strabane at 372.1 while the lowest rate is in Fermanagh and Omagh at 99.7.

There are 19 outbreaks in care homes.

Vaccination figures show 2,145,799 jabs have been administered.

Speaking after the figures were released this afternoon, Health Minister Robin Swann said: “We have seen the numbers climb in recent weeks but today’s spike in cases is cause for concern. This is the first time since January that we’re reporting a daily change of over 1,000 positive cases, and while we are in a more fortunate position with a large proportion of the population now vaccinated we must remain cautious.

“We need everyone to play their part in helping to stop the spread of the virus. Our advice remains the same – stick to guidelines and regulations, all adults aged 18 and over should get vaccinated, and ensure you and your close contacts self-isolate if you test positive.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in cases in the younger age group so I would make a particular appeal to this group to get vaccinated. COVID-19 has left many with debilitating long-term health issues, don’t put yourself at risk, get the vaccine.”

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “Vaccination is key to preventing serious illness and with such high infection levels circulating in the community it is vital that all those eligible for vaccination come forward for their jab.

"Our vaccination programme has been very successful and there is no doubt that many people are alive in Northern Ireland today because they have been vaccinated.

“Our health system is at the point where it is struggling to cope with current levels of demand for care. We simply cannot continue to add more pressure.

"We must work together to drive down infection levels. This means we must all continue to follow the behaviours that we are all accustomed to, and that we know limit the spread of the virus.”

Today's figures were released after it was revealed that work pressures led to almost 30,000 healthcare staff receiving occupational support over the past two years - with a "shocking" spike in numbers seeking help during the pandemic.

Royal College of Nursing (RCN) director Pat Cullen revealed the scale of the crisis through written testimonies from members in "total despair" and criticised the Department of Health over the withdrawal of specialist psychological support services for staff that were available during the first wave.

Meanwhile, in the Republic of Ireland there have been an additional 994 confirmed cases of Covid-19.

As of 8am today, there were 80 patients in hospital with the disease, of whom 22 were in intensive care units.

Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, said: “More than 70% of the adult population have had at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine and almost 60% of adults are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

“This is of course good news and a great cause for hope, however, there is still a significant cohort of the population who are not yet fully vaccinated, or as is the case with children, for whom vaccination is still a little way off and subject to future guidance.

“People who are unvaccinated, including children, should continue to avoid high-risk, uncontrolled indoor settings. That includes indoor hospitality. I know this is a difficult message for people, particularly parents of unvaccinated children to hear, but if we stick with the public health measures, we can limit transmission of this disease and protect others.

“We continue to keep all of the public health guidance under review. That includes all elements of the further re-opening of society and looking forward to September and a return to education for students. In the meantime, avoid crowds, wear a mask, manage your contacts, keep your distance, meet outdoors where possible, and, if indoors, ensure that the room is well ventilated.”