Northern Ireland

Eight weekend deaths in the north, while south plans antigen test campaign to tackle rising cases

People in the Republic engaging in 'higher risk' activities are being urged to take two antigen tests per week.
People in the Republic engaging in 'higher risk' activities are being urged to take two antigen tests per week. People in the Republic engaging in 'higher risk' activities are being urged to take two antigen tests per week.

A TOTAL of eight Covid-linked deaths were recorded in Northern Ireland during the weekend.

Sunday's five deaths within 28 days of testing positive for the virus follow three recorded by the Department of Health on Saturday.

The fatalities mean there has now been a total of 2,792 confirmed Covid-linked deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, the department also recorded 1,606 new cases of Covid on Saturday, followed by 1,377 a day later.

Covid inpatient data will be updated today, but last Friday there were 317 being treated in hospitals for the virus, of which 34 were in intensive care wards.

In the Republic, plans are underway to see antigen testing kits offered at a subsidised rate at retail outlets after a rise in case numbers.

Dublin's Department of Health recorded 3,805 new cases on Sunday, while the number of Covid inpatients in southern hospitals rose to 582 - of which 106 were intensive care patients.

The National Public Health Emergency Team has written to the Irish government advising that people engaging in "higher risk" activities such as going to nightclubs, cinemas, or car-sharing with others from outside their household should take at least two antigen tests a week.

A plan being explored by the Dublin government would see antigen tests made more widely available at lower costs from shops, while an information campaign would be launched advising on their proper use.

In the letter to the government, the Republic's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said such people should "consider self-testing on a serial basis, at a minimum of twice weekly spaced by three days".

Dr Holohan also urged ministers to consider "reinstating previous advice to work from home where possible" as cases across the country have been "increasing at a concerning rate".