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Northern Ireland’s Chief Scientific Adviser is unable to explain the specific reasons behind the mysterious and rapid increase in positive Covid-19 cases.
n the last seven days there have been 4,417 positive tests.
We have a seven-day moving average of new cases per million people higher than countries like the United States, Spain and France.
The Health Department confirmed on Wednesday that one more person had died after testing positive for the virus, while 828 new cases were reported in just 24 hours.
The death toll now stands at 586 and the total number of diagnosed cases since the outbreak is 16,187.
During Wednesday’s briefing on Covid-19, Health Minister Robin Swann said the Executive has “the most difficult decisions to make” on Thursday, when stricter restrictions are expected to be introduced.
More stringent regulations could be implemented in the Newry, Morne and Down District Council area, where the infection rate is 300 cases per 100,000.
The Derry and Strabane city district council area, which is currently under tighter controls, has a figure of over 600.
Prime Minister Arlene Foster emphasized the seriousness of the situation, as she said Stormont ministers “are not crying” and urged the public to abide by the rules.
Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill added that public actions will determine how bad the second wave of Covid-19 will get.
Speaking at Wednesday’s briefing alongside Swann and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael McBride, Professor Ian Young said that we will meet or exceed the number of patients who were admitted to the hospital during the first wave in just “two to three weeks. “.
There are now 106 people living with the virus in local hospitals compared to just 16 at this time last month.
However, Professor Young admitted that “we do not fully understand” the reasons for the increase in positive tests.
“The increased testing explains a part,” he added.
“I think it is important to note that there are parts of the UK that have very similar numbers to Northern Ireland, but we are certainly not alone.
“For example, Liverpool and Manchester at this time have been highlighted as areas in England that have very similar incidents or incidents higher than parts of Northern Ireland.
“In terms of why the virus is transmitted in areas, it comes down to contacts and behaviors, and those are determined in part by cultural and behavioral factors.”
Swann added that we were now looking at more people per 100,000 than anywhere else in the UK or Ireland.
While the increase in testing is identifying more positive cases, Swann said the tests “are not keeping up” with the number of positive tests.
“From the week of September 26 to October 2, we were testing 357 people for every 100,000,” he explained.
“The Republic of Ireland was in the region of 250 per 100,000, so we are looking at much more population, so of course we will find more cases.
“That allows us to take a specific interaction on where the virus really is.
“The increase in testing is not solely due to the increase in cases.
“We’re seeing a general complacency that we warn people about over the summer. We’re seeing it through our community broadcasts.”
He added: “It’s not too late. We can tackle this and if people take the interactions and take those steps, if you haven’t already, start taking them tonight, because it will make a difference.”
Swann said that people who deliberately ignore the coronavirus guidelines are giving a “two-finger salute” to those who adhere to the regulations.
He added that he was concerned that a minority of people still refuse to wear a mask while in a store, despite regulations.
“This minority has decided that the risk to them personally is probably low and that they can get on with their lives,” Swann said.
“Even if that’s true, ignore the risk they carry of infecting others who are very vulnerable.
“Frankly, some people are not believed to be opposed to wearing a face cover in stores. It’s just a piece of cloth.
“It’s not too much to ask, but it makes a difference.”
Belfast Telegraph
