Northern Ireland

Covid surge continues as one further death and 636 cases recorded

<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; ">There were 636 new cases of the virus recorded in the last 24-hour reporting period</span>
There were 636 new cases of the virus recorded in the last 24-hour reporting period There were 636 new cases of the virus recorded in the last 24-hour reporting period
By Digital Staff

Another person has died after contracting Covid-19, the Department of Health has confirmed.

It takes the total number of deaths recorded by the department to 2,159.

There were 636 new cases of the virus recorded in the last 24-hour reporting period. It is the highest daily figure since January.

This morning there were 76 patients in hospital with coronavirus. There are two patients in intensive care, one of whom has been ventilated.

The seven-day infection rate per 100,000 is 210. The area with the highest rate is Derry and Strabane at 383.4 while the lowest rate is in Fermanagh and Omagh at 80.9.

There are 16 outbreaks in care homes.

Vaccination figures show 2,137,591 jabs have been administered.

Today's figures were released after Health Minister Robin Swann appealed to friends and parents of young people aged 18 and over to encourage them to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

From Wednesday, all Northern Ireland’s regional vaccination centres are providing walk-in jabs without any need to book an appointment.

In the Republic, 783 new Covid-19 cases have been reported. There are 20 patients in ICU.

As of 8am today, there were 73 patients in hospital with the disease, of whom 20 were in intensive care units. There were 13 additional hospital admissions in the last 24 hours.

Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said: "Throughout this pandemic, we have been mindful of the disproportionate impact the necessary public health measures have had on certain people in our society.

"Unfortunately, this remains the case and we are continuing to see our young people suffer a great burden as they wait for their vaccinations.

"As we continue to reopen society and enjoy being able to meet loved ones again, it is important to remember that not all social situations are the same. There are certain instances that are riskier than others.

"As we have said throughout this pandemic, Covid-19 spreads much easier indoors and when public health measures are not prevalent and as such, it is important to exercise caution in all environments as we continue to safely meet others."