The first coronavirus-related death in Northern Ireland is a particularly sombre milestone, reminding us that behind the vast amount of statistics being deployed during this crisis, there are individuals who are loved and whose loss will be devastating for their families.
The news of the elderly patient's death came as the health minister outlined the steps to be taken as we face into an expected surge in cases in Northern Ireland.
This includes drafting in third year nursing and midwifery students and registering medical students four months earlier than planned.
These are appropriate measures as it is clear the predicted pressures on our health service will require many more staff than are currently available.
A further positive development yesterday was the announcement of an increase in testing, although it will be some days before the new rate of 800 tests per day come into effect.
To date just 1,646 people have been tested in the north, with 77 confirmed cases.
There is no doubt the low rate of testing is the cause of considerable disquiet as there is evidence that many more people are displaying the symptoms of Covid-19 but because they have not been tested, they are not being counted in the official figures.
Not only does this mask the true picture and can lead to a false sense of security among the population but it is also of particular concern to health service staff who should have regular access to tests.
The importance of this approach has been emphasised time and again by experts in this field who believe that testing, isolation and tracing are the key to suppressing this pandemic.
Last week, World Health Organisation director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said his simple message to countries fighting the virus is 'test, test, test'.
Boris Johnson's government has seemed reluctant to engage in a wholesale testing programme however the Republic has been much more pro-active on this issue.
In a warning that will send a wave of fear through many homes, Robin Swann disclosed that in a worst case scenario, around 9,000 people could lose their lives to this virus in Northern Ireland.
That is absolutely chilling and should focus the minds of every person on preventing the spread of this illness, by washing our hands, keeping our distance from each other and staying indoors.
These are difficult measures to sustain but ultimately they will save lives.
