NI Hospitals Hit Weekly Record for Virus-Related Deaths



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Hospitals in Northern Ireland recorded their highest number of Covid-19-related deaths in the week to November 20, official figures show.

There were 100 deaths in total in the north, bringing the total to 1,333. Almost 60% of the deaths occurred in hospitals, but a third in residences.

Statistics agency Nisra said: “The 69 deaths from Covid-19 that occurred in the hospital this week represent the largest weekly number in this environment since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.”

The total comparative number of deaths reported daily by the Health Department as of November 20 was 927.

These figures are based on patients who have previously tested positive for the virus, while Nisra’s figures are based on information entered on death certificates completed by medical professionals.

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


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A more detailed analysis, including nursing home resident deaths at the hospital, shows that, of the 560 nursing home resident deaths involving Covid-19 in the year to date through November 20, the 80% (447) occurred in a nursing home, with the remaining 113 happening in hospital.

On this basis, nursing home resident deaths account for 42% of all Covid-19 related deaths; however, no assumptions can be made about where or when the deceased contracted the disease.

In Northern Ireland, all non-essential retail services, close contact services, hospitality and places of worship are closed as of today under a strict two week ‘breaker’ lockout.

The measures are close to the total lockdown introduced in response to the pandemic outbreak in March.

Schools and daycare services are still open.

Prime Minister Arlene Foster said the new restrictions were necessary to reduce the infection rate.

He added that the next two weeks were critical and a lot of effort was needed to keep moving in the right direction.

“This is just for one more time.

“It is important to have hope and it is important that we push a little bit more over the course of the next two weeks.”



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