20 new deaths in Northern Ireland from Coronavirus

You are viewing content from Q North West 102.9. Would you like to make this your preferred location?

By Q Radio News Team and PA reporter

20 people who tested positive for Coronavirus have died in the last 24 hours in Northern Ireland.

That is according to the daily update from the Public Health Agency, bringing its total for the region to 329.

The latest figures released by the Department of Health show there are 34  patients being treated in intensive care units for confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, around 790 patients are currently being treated for the virus, with 3,203 people having already been discharged from hospital.

Figures have also been released in the Republic of Ireland for the number of patients who have died from Covid-19.

At the daily press briefing, Health Minister, Robin Swann urged people not to relax their guard over social distancing.

"I want to make a direct appeal to anyone who's having doubts about the seriousness of the threat from Covid-19," he said.

"I also want to address anyone who has attempted to relax their guard on social distancing.

"Let them think about the 20 families grieving today. Let them think about those who have lost their lives.

Mr Swann said some "tentative improvements" are starting to be seen, including a drop in the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care to 34.

He warned, though, that Northern Ireland "remains on a knife edge".

"Don't let anyone say this has all been overblown because, believe me, it hasn't," he said, adding the scale of deaths is reaching what was seen in the worst days of the Troubles.

Mr Swann also warned that when the time comes to ease social distancing, it will "not be like flicking a switch on going back to the old ways".

"Social distancing will be with us for many months," he said.

Robin Swann warned against speculation around the easing of lockdown measures.

Chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said testing is being "ramped up very significantly".

"We have worked tirelessly to increase our testing capacity and we're now in a situation where we can use that capacity to begin the very important community surveillance that we will now require in the next phase of our response," he said.

He said testing is being rolled out to GP practices and, from Monday, started testing all admissions to hospitals.

Dr McBride provided an update on testing levels.

Mr Swann also revealed that the Northern Ireland Executive has started discussing face coverings this week but expressed concern that they could lead to a "false sense of security".

Dr McBride warned that wearing a face covering "must not be seen as a substitute" to advice including washing hands thoroughly.

Join the Thank Q Club

Sign up for the Thank Q Club and receive exclusive offers, fun competitions and amazing prizes - it's quick and easy to do!

Sign Up Log In

Listen on the go

Download the Q Radio app to keep listening, wherever you are! It's available on Apple and Android devices.

Download from the App Store Download from Google Play