We must avoid complacency, says health minister Robin Swann after rise in Northern Ireland Covid deaths

NI’s health minister and chief medical officer have caution at a time when shielding has been paused and the latest figures show an increase in coronavirus deaths.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 1st Aug 2020, 08:50 BST
Updated 1st Aug 2020, 08:52 BST
Health Minister Robin Swann at the meeting of the North South Ministerial Council at Dublin Castle. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.Health Minister Robin Swann at the meeting of the North South Ministerial Council at Dublin Castle. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
Health Minister Robin Swann at the meeting of the North South Ministerial Council at Dublin Castle. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

NISRA’s weekly figures (to July 24) showed seven deaths in which Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, an increase of five from the previous week and the first time the weekly death rate has risen since mid-June.

It brings the total number of coronavirus related deaths registered in the calendar year to 853.

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No new coronavirus deaths were recorded by the Department of Health in the Province in the last 24 hours while 10 people tested positive for the virus, leaving the total number of confirmed cases in NI at 5,948.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “NISRA figures underline the fact that we must remain constantly vigilant as we continue to battle Covid-19. I am acutely aware that each one of these cases represents a life lost, a family left to grieve and a community robbed of a valued member.

“There can be no starker reminder of just how important it is for us all to avoid complacency and to continue to follow guidance on handwashing, social distancing, wearing face coverings and other measures to control infection – to save lives and protect our health service.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride aid: “I am urging everyone who has been shielding to be vigilant. The risk of being infected by the virus has reduced but your underlying vulnerability to it still remains. Caution is still the order of the day.”

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Dr McBride urged the whole community to support those who are no longer shielding: “As a rule of thumb, assume the person you are passing in the street or who is standing next to you in a queue has been shielding for months.

“Put yourself in their shoes. They may well be very anxious about resuming everyday activities. Please be considerate and give them the space and time they need.”

Covid statistics at a glance:

• COVID-19 deaths increase by 7 reaching 853 in calendar year

• 307 total deaths registered in week ending July 24, up by 42 on five-year average

• no new deaths yesterday, 10 new positive tests

• 5948 have tested positive for covid in Province

• 1040 excess deaths since end of March

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• care home residents account for half (50.2%) of COVID-19 deaths

• four out of five people (80.1%) dying of coronavirus in Province are 75 and above

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Related topics:Robin SwannNorthern IrelandProvinceDepartment of Health