Northern Ireland

Sharp rise in Covid-19 cases as one further death recorded

<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; ">Another 1,776 cases of Covid-19 have been reported</span>
Another 1,776 cases of Covid-19 have been reported Another 1,776 cases of Covid-19 have been reported

A further 1,776 cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has said.

It means there have been 7,354 cases over the past seven days, up from 3,947 in the previous week.

One further death of a patient who had previously tested positive for the virus was also notified, meaning the total number of deaths stands at 2,130.

This morning, there were 109 Covid-19 positive patients in hospital, with seven in intensive care. Of these, three have been ventilated.

Bed occupancy in the north's hospitals is close to 100 per cent with 13 beds available. Three hospitals are operating beyond capacity; Antrim Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital in west Belfast and the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.

There are 26 outbreaks in care homes.

There have been 102 hospital admissions in the past week, up from 75 in the previous week.

2,168,431 vaccines have been administered to date.

Meanwhile, in the Repubilc of Ireland a further 1,017 cases of Covid-19 have been reported. As of this morning there were 101 Covid-positive patients in hospital with 20 in intensive care.

Dr Tony Holohan, chief medical officer, said: "While we continue to enjoy the good weather, we are unfortunately also continuing to see a rise in incidence of disease across all key indicators.

"Our 14-day incidence is now the highest it's been since 24 February at 231/100,000.

"Our five-day average is 1,159 cases per day, the highest it's been since 2 February.

"If you are fully vaccinated, you can have confidence in your vaccine and enjoy socialising and meeting with other vaccinated people indoors, so long as you continue to follow the basic public health precautions."