Three members of same family die with COVID-19 in last week - ‘I cannot begin to imagine how the surviving members of the family come to terms with it’

Those who died include a man in his early 50s, who worked for the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Staff at the trust have paid tribute to him, saying he was a dedicated member of the health service.

Belfast Trust senior manager Dr Paul Glover said his colleague, who died on Wednesday, was “a very valued member of staff”.

“I’d like to offer my condolences to the family one of our members of staff who sadly passed away with Covid-19 today.

“I am sure all of his colleagues and those who have worked with him will feel this right at this moment in time.”

Earlier Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey extended his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the Belfast Health Trust worker who died.

“Tragically this the third death in the same family as a consequence of COVID19,” he said.

“Like many in our health service, this member of the Belfast Health Trust worked tirelessly in challenging circumstances to care for the most vulnerable during this pandemic. We owe them a great deal of gratitude.”

He added: “I want to extend my heartfelt condolences and that of the community of West Belfast to his family, friends and colleagues.”

SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly also offered condolences to the family of those who died.

“It is just unimaginable,” she told BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra programme.

“I cannot begin to imagine how the surviving members of the family come to terms with it and I do hope and pray that they get the help and support that they need.”

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