‘Deep concern’ as care home outbreaks increase further

The rise in outbreaks has been linked with “increased movement in the community” by the Older People’s Commissioner Eddie Lynch.

Care home residents have borne the brunt of the pandemic and, according to the latest information from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, made up around half of all 866 deaths linked with coronavirus by August 21.

The latest figures from the Department of Health at Stormont show that frontline staff are currently dealing with 15 ‘active’ coronavirus outbreaks at care homes. Just over a fortnight ago, on August 12, there was just one.

Older People’s Commissioner Eddie Lynch, who in April successfully launched a campaign to pressure health authorities into rolling out a programme of universal testing for all care home residents and staff, told the News Letter he is “deeply concerned” by the recent increase in outbreaks.

“I’m deeply concerned that the number of Covid-19 outbreaks in care homes is starting to rise again,” he said.

“As lockdown restrictions have eased, it appears that increased movement in the community may be resulting in an increase of outbreaks in care homes.”

The rise from one outbreak to 15 follows an increase in the number of coronavirus cases across Northern Ireland. Since August 12, there have been 809 cases of coronavirus in Northern Ireland.

Yesterday, there were 85 new cases reported.

And last week, chief scientific officer Professor Ian Young said the number of cases per head of population is now higher in Northern Ireland than in any other part of the UK or Ireland.

Mr Lynch said: “I have previously received assurances that an increase in community transmission would trigger more regular testing in care homes. I have also been advised that testing may be increased in areas where Covid-19 outbreaks or clusters occur. Going forward, it is vital that this action is taken to ensure all is done to protect those living in care homes.”

The Department of Health has previously confirmed to the News Letter that it is considering an increase in care home testing if cases continue to rise.

The latest NISRA statistics , which cover the period up to August 21, show an extra three deaths when compared with the previous week’s figures.

The death toll in Northern Ireland stands at 866.