Jump in number of care homes in Northern Ireland infected with coronavirus

Northern Ireland’s official death toll of those who tested positive for Covid-19 rose by 10 to 134 yesterday, but concerns continue to be raised that those dying in care homes are not being counted in the figures.

Last week Health Minister Robin Swann said Covid-19 had been detected in 20 NI care homes out of 483. That figure has now risen to 32.

Mr Swann said yesterday that the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency will now begin publishing information on care home deaths “as soon as possible” to end the confusion.

But concern about the availability of protective equipment for staff working in the homes continues to grow.

An owner of several private care homes in Northern Ireland told the News Letter last night that he has not received any equipment from health Trusts, while prices have rocketed in the private sector.

“I have been able to get enough equipment for now on my own but I am worried about our stocks,” he added. “And the prices have gone up — I paid around three times as much as I normally would for face masks. I am worried about my staff and I am worried, of course, about the residents.”

The owner, who asked not to be named, added: “All we have had from the Trusts are a few deliveries of masks. It’s not enough.”

The care home owner continued: “Had we not been able to source that equipment independently, our staff would be looking at a situation where they would not have that PPE (personal protective equipment).

“There is a massive shortage. And of course the RQIA rang round to every home to say that the staff must wear the masks continuously.

He added: “The other problem is the extra amount of money that we are spending — not only with the PPE but also with the number of people who are off sick.”

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Trusts continue to work closely with homes to ensure the provision of PPE and to help address staffing challenges.”

He added: “In the event of an outbreak, expert Public Health Agency advice on infection control is available.”