One covid-19 related death recorded in NI last week

by Q Radio News

Official figures show there was just one covid-19 related death recorded in Northern Ireland last week. 

That's three fewer than the week before when four were recorded by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 

Up until 31st July, 855 deaths linked to coronavirus have occurred according to NISRA. 

Of this total, 449 (52.5%) took place in hospital, 349 (40.8%) in care homes, eight (0.9%) in hospices and 49 (5.7%) at residential addresses or other locations.

The 357 deaths which occurred in care homes and hospices involved 81 separate establishments.

(Figures recorded by NISRA up to 31st July)

Meanwhile, the comparative number of deaths reported daily by the Department of Health to 31st July was 556.

These figures are based on patients having previously tested positive for the virus, whereas the NISRA figures are based on the information entered on death certificates, completed by medical professionals.

They may or may not have previously tested positive for the virus.

Further analysis, which includes deaths of care home residents in hospital, shows that of the 429 deaths of care home residents involving COVID-19 in the year to date to 31st July 2020, 81.4% (349) occurred in a care home, with the remaining 80 occurring in hospital.

On this basis, deaths of care home residents account for 50.2% of all COVID-19 related deaths; however, no assumptions can be made in relation to where or when the deceased contracted the disease. 

Persons aged 75 and over accounted for two-thirds (65.2%) of all deaths and 80.1% of COVID‑19 related deaths registered this calendar year up to 31st July.

Meanwhile, most of the covid-19 related fatalities recorded to date were linked to those with an address in Belfast. 

245 (28.7%) of the 854 deaths registered in the calendar year to 31st July occurred in the district.