Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Nisra reveals 871 deaths have been linked to pandemic
Cases: Deaths: Cases: Deaths: Infections here pass 7,000 mark
A TOTAL of 871 deaths have been linked to the Covid-19 pandemic by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
Its weekly bulletin revealed three new fatalities “involving” the virus in the week from August 15 to 21.
The total number of deaths for the same period released by the Department of Health was 559.
Its figures are based on people who have tested positive for the virus, whereas Nisra will include deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
The agency said 460 deaths (52.8%) took place in hospital, 351 (40.3%) in care homes, eight (0.9%) in hospices and 52 (6%) at residential addresses or other locations.
The 359 fatalities which occurred in care homes and hospices involved 81 separate establishments.
Nisra added: “Further analysis, which includes deaths of care home residents in hospital, shows that of the 431 deaths of care home residents involving Covid-19 in the year to August 21, 81.4% [351] occurred in a care home with the remaining 80 occurring in hospital. On this basis, deaths of care home residents account for 49.5% of all Covid-19 related deaths.
“However, no assumptions can be made in relation to where or when the deceased contracted the disease.
“Separate analyses based on the date of death registration shows that the provisional number of total deaths from all causes registered in Northern Ireland in the week ending August 21 (week 33) was 313, 35 more than in week 32 and 50 more than the five-year average of 263.
“Over the last 21 weeks, 1,098 excess deaths [deaths above the average for the corresponding period in previous years] have been registered in Northern Ireland, with the number of excess deaths in the year to date to August 21 totalling 839.”
Persons aged 75 and over accounted for 64.8% of all deaths and 79.6% of Covid-19 related deaths registered up to August 21.
Nisra said: “For Covid-19 related deaths, those with an address in Belfast Local Government District accounted for 248 (28.5%) of the
THE number of coronavirus cases in Northern Ireland has now passed the 7,000 mark.
The daily update from the Department of Health revealed 85 new cases, taking the total to 7,049. There have been 431 positive tests in the past week.
There are currently 17 people in hospital, with two in intensive care.
Meanwhile, three gyms within the Lurgan area of Co Armagh were forced to close temporarily yesterday after staff at two and a member of one tested positive.
Focus Strength and Conditioning, Female Fitness Studios and Columbia Gym all said they will undergo a deep clean as a result.
Sinn Fein MLA John O’dowd described the latest development as “worrying” and an “anxious time” for those affected.
The Upper Bann MLA added: “I welcome the action of gyms and sporting clubs in Lurgan in responding quickly to positive Covid-19 cases.
“The openness and transparency with which they have acted will hopefully restrict the spread of the virus to others.
“If you are experiencing symptoms please self-isolate and urgently get tested, even if you are not associated with the affected sports clubs or gyms.”