North’s cases close to 1,000 for single day
NORTHERN Ireland has recorded almost 1,000 new Covid-19 infections in a 24-hour period, the highest since the pandemic began.
The 934 cases reported by the North’s Department of Health is more than double the highest daily total prior to Friday.
The figures are not directly comparable to the first wave of the pandemic, as much fewer tests were being carried out in that period. However, it is by far the highest total recorded since the testing regime was expanded to take in community settings.
There was one further death reported on Friday, taking the toll recorded in the North to 582.
In the Derry City and Strabane council area, a current infection hotspot, the prevalence rate has soared to a seven-day average of 422.8 cases per 100,000 people, a 100 rise on Thursday’s rate.
Health minister Robin Swann told the BBC they may have to reactivate Belfast’s Nightingale hospital within weeks.
‘It is something we thought we would possibly have to do over the winter. It now looks like October is going to be our Covid winter.’
The latest figures were published as Stormont’s chief scientific adviser told people in the North they should prepare for the potential of multiple winter lockdowns.
Professor Ian Young said it is not yet certain whether intensive periods of lockdown will be required to halt the spread of coronavirus but it would be ‘sensible’ for the public to plan on that basis.
The devolved executive’s chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, also advised people to prepare for a potential second lockdown. The Storm ont Executive announced a wide-ranging series of restrictions for the Derry City and Strabane Council area on Thursday in an effort to stem the spiralling Covid-19 infection numbers.
They include hospitality businesses being limited to takeaway, delivery and outdoor dining, and a call to avoid unnecessary travel. Prof. Young suggested the Executive would have little alternative but to opt for a full lockdown in the Derry City and Strabane area if rates are not brought under control in the coming weeks.
He told BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show: ‘I don’t think that a single period of lockdown or circuit breaker would be sufficient to get us right through the winter.’
In other areas of concern, the infection rate in the Newry, Mourne and Down council district is up to 213.7 while Belfast has risen to 161.5.