Northern Ireland

Covid-19: Six more deaths as 1,278 new cases recorded

The Department of Health seven-day rolling average of new coronavirus deaths per 100,000 of the population show while most other countries have been levelling off, totals in the region doubled in the last week alone
The Department of Health seven-day rolling average of new coronavirus deaths per 100,000 of the population show while most other countries have been levelling off, totals in the region doubled in the last week alone The Department of Health seven-day rolling average of new coronavirus deaths per 100,000 of the population show while most other countries have been levelling off, totals in the region doubled in the last week alone

The deaths of a further six patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 have been reported by the Department of Health.

The total number of deaths since the pandemic began is 2,599.

Another 1,278 cases of the virus were recorded in the most recent 24-hour reporting period.

This morning, there were 368 Covid-positive patients in hospital, of whom 31 were in intensive care. Of these, 21 are on ventilators.

The pandemic continues to have an effect on hospitals with many sites operating beyond capacity.

To date 2,556,457 vaccines have been administered

Yesterday First Minister Paul Givan declined to say if all of his DUP party’s MLAs have received the Covid-19 vaccine.

Paul Givan was challenged by SDLP MLA Pat Catney to introduce a mandatory Covid-19 vaccine certificate.

Both Mr Givan and deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill have expressed reservations about the move, stating last week that they would prefer public co-operation with health measures.