Daily covid-19 deaths in NI hits highest since February

by Q Radio News and PA reporter

Northern Ireland has recorded its highest daily Covid-19 death toll since February.

There has been 11 more covid-19 related deaths recorded in Northern Ireland, according to the Department of Health. 

10 of the deaths occurred in the past 24 hours, bringing the department's death toll to 2,269. 

A further 1,345 positive cases have also been confirmed since yesterday from 3,989 tests.

As of this morning, 394 patients were being treated in hospital with the virus, 49 of whom are in ICU.

LATEST: 11 more people have died in NI after contracting covid-19.

It brings the death toll according to @healthdpt to 2,269.

A further 1,345 positive cases have been confirmed in the past 24 hours.

394 patients are being treated in hospital, 49 of whom are in ICU. pic.twitter.com/MwjtyDxKnM

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 18, 2021

A total of 2,384,396 covid-19 vaccines have been administered in Northern Ireland to date.

Meanwhile, the 7 day incidence rate in the region is currently 526.7 per 100,000 people. 

The area with the highest rate of infection is Fermanagh and Omagh district with 891 per 100k, while the area with the lowest is Ards and North Down which recorded 380.9. 

A further push for take up of the Covid-19 vaccine has been planned for the weekend.

Students are among those being urged to come forward on the Big Jab Weekend before the larger vaccination centres, including the SSE Arena in Belfast, close.

The vice-chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, Professor Ian Greer, and Ulster University Professor Paul Bartholomew issued a joint statement on Wednesday.

They said: “Our shared focus is on the resumption of a full on-campus teaching and research experience and we look forward to re-connecting with staff and students.

“To that end, we strongly encourage all staff and students to take up the vaccine.

“We welcome the NI vaccination programme’s Big Jab Weekend initiative to boost vaccination uptake and make it as easy as possible to take this simple step.

“Getting vaccinated is by far the best way to protect the entire NI community and to ensure that our return to full campus operations is on a permanent basis.”

NUS-USI president Ellen Fearon has also encouraged students to get the jab.

“If you haven’t got the vaccine yet and you’re heading to campus in September, then get down to the Big Jab Weekend,” she said.

“This year it’s one of those essential parts of your fresher’s checklist and it’s so easy to do with all the vaccine centres offering first jabs on a walk-in basis.

“Students everywhere have seen their lives turned upside down by the pandemic and this is one of the quickest ways we have to seeing the social side of education returning.

“I’ve got my jab and I would encourage everyone to get theirs too.”