No further Covid related deaths but hundreds of new cases

By Q Radio News

No further COVID19 related deaths have occurred in Northern Ireland. 

It means the number of fatalities confirmed by the Department of Health remains at 2,155. 

However another 278 new coronavirus cases have been recorded here since yesterday. 

It comes as the Public Health Agency warns social events in North Down and East Belfast have resulted in a “sharp increase” in Covid-19 cases. 

It described the surge in infections as emanating from a number of events in those areas attended by young people last week.

Ireland International and Ulster rugby star Jacob Stockdale is encouraging young people to get their Covid Vaccine. His message comes as the South Eastern HSC Trust takes to the road with mobile vaccination clinics will be in Castlewellan and Newcastle at the weekend. #JabDone pic.twitter.com/MzHijgVLuU

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 29, 2021

The PHA also warned that more cases are “likely to follow in the next few weeks” in South Belfast, Hillsborough, Comber, Bangor and the Ards Peninsula through previous and new social links.

The agency said it is investigating the circumstances and deploying control measures.

Head of health protection Dr Gerry Waldron urged the public to exercise caution to help limit the spread of the virus.

“Unfortunately, we have in recent days seen an increase in cases in the younger age group,” he said.

“This is a group which is less likely to have received both doses of the vaccine and, with the increasing number of Delta cases in Northern Ireland, which we know to be much more transmissible, we are urging everyone to be sensible, enjoy the summer months, but do so safely.

“Over the next few days there will be temptation to get out and enjoy the warm weather and celebrate, but if we see large numbers gathering or people abandoning public health advice, we could see a sharp increase in cases, so we all need to act with caution.”

The PHA also encouraged all over-18s to get vaccinated against Covid-19.