Covid-19 link to 10% of all NI deaths this year

The first coronavirus death wasn’t confirmed in Northern Ireland until March 19.

But from January 1 until May 15, there were 6,874 deaths registered in Northern Ireland with coronavirus identified as the cause of death in 664 people, or 9.7% of all deaths.

The first in a monthly series of statistical reports from the Public Health Agency on the key trends in the coronavirus pandemic was published yesterday.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Throughout this pandemic there has been an understandable focus on statistics and percentages, and I have always been determined to ensure that there is the maximum possible transparency. The data helps us to track and understand the virus and its impact both on the community and the health and social care system.”

Mr Swann continued: “The statistics also tell a human story of how the virus has left its tragic mark on families and communities who have lost loved ones. The valuable and detailed analysis contained within the monthly bulletin will help us to develop our plans for the vital recovery period as we start to re-engage our health and social care services.”

One of the key findings of the report was that affluence appears to have little impact on the likelihood of someone testing positive for the virus.

In fact, the most affluent fifth of the population — described by the report as the least deprived 20% — accounted for the highest number of positive tests, with 23% compared to 18% for the most deprived.

The new monthly publication also showed that the rate at which outbreaks of the virus are being reported by care homes appears to be decreasing.

There were more than 20 outbreaks reported each week for the weeks ending April 10, 17 and 24.

But last week, ending yesterday, there were less than five new care home outbreaks reported.

In total, suspected outbreaks have been reported by 137 care homes — 28.4% of the 484 registered in Northern Ireland.

The latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) show that there were 61 coronavirus deaths recorded in the week ending May 15.

Of these, 27 occurred in hospital, 32 in care homes, one in a hospice and one at a residential address.

Up until May 15, there were 322 deaths in hospital, 303 in care homes and 39 in other locations. These figures differ from the daily updates published by the Department of Health, which are based on deaths of patients who had previously tested positive for coronavirus.

There were three new deaths reported by the Department yesterday, bringing the total to 504.

l Ben Lowry, page 11