329 people have now died in NI after testing positive for COVID-19 - ‘we are still not through first wave of this infection’

Statistics from the Department of Health reveal that another 34 people have tested positive for the virus.



This is the highest death toll in a 24-hour period so far in Northern Ireland.


In the last 24 hours another 807 people were tested for coronavirus.


In total 23,276 tests have been carried out, according to the Department of Health.



It was also revealed that there are 790 suspected/confirmed cases of COVID-19 in patients in NI hospitals.



Meanwhile, according to the Department of Health there have been 3,203 discharges of patients with suspected/confirmed COVID-19.



And there have been 69 outbreaks of COVID-19 in NI Care Homes (as of April 27).



Today Health minister Robin Swann began the Stormont press conference by reflecting on the news of a further 20 coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland.



He said the deaths must never be seen as only a statistic and sent his sympathies to all the families affected.



He says Covid-19 has had a “devastating impact” on Northern Ireland since the start of the outbreak.


Mr Swann added that “complacency is our biggest enemy”.

“No-one is immune from this virus, no-one should perceive that they have the immunity that they can go out and flout the rules and regulations,” he said.

“Am I concerned about a relaxation and a selfishness in regard to some of the members of the community of Northern Ireland? - Yes, because we have to do this for a number of weeks, because it’s about saving lives.

“But I am also thankful for the vast majority of the people of Northern Ireland who are adhering to and following this guidance and advice, because their actions are saving lives.”

And NI chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride has said now is “not the time to drop our guard”.

“We’re are still not through the first wave of this infection,” he said.

He said he knew it was difficult for people to look at other countries in Europe begin to relax some of their restrictions.

However, he added: “We are not all in the same place at this time and that is crucially important for us all to remember.

“It is too soon, it is too early for us now to lose the ground that we have made.”