LISTEN: Next wave of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland could be the worst yet - Swann

By Q Radio News and PA Reporters

The Health Minister Robin Swann has warned that the next wave of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland could be the worst yet.

Mr Swann said the roll-out of the vaccine was a welcome development but it could lead to a slipping of compliance with coronavirus restrictions.

“We must not that let happen because we cannot let that happen,” he said.

“This pandemic is far from finished.

“I am still very concerned that the next surge in infections could be the most aggressive yet.”

Addressing a Stormont media briefing, Mr Swann said the development of an effective vaccination meant the finishing line in the battle against Covid-19 was in sight.

“Now is not the time to stumble,” he added.

Robin Swann said the third surge was “not inevitable”.

Health Minister Robin Swann

But he added: “That third surge is something we must prepare for.”

The minister said people had the power to prevent another surge by restricting their interactions over the coming weeks.

He said it would be a “shame and disgrace” if the “careless actions” of some people led to another wave of cases when the benefits of the vaccine were so close.

Stormont’s chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young said a one-week relaxation of coronavirus restriction ahead of the start of the current circuit-breaker had led to a 25% increase in case numbers.

He said the R reproduction rate increased to 1.2 after that week.

Prof Young said R was currently around 1.

Professor Ian Young speaking at a press conference

He said not as many people were staying at home during the ongoing circuit-break as he had hoped for.

“Therefore we’re not going to see the full benefit that we hoped for from these two weeks of restrictions,” he added.

Prof Young said the region was facing a “potentially difficult and risky period” with the relaxation of restrictions over the festive period.

Chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride also stressed the need for ongoing compliance with the Covid-19 regulations.

“For 10 long months we have kept our distance and missed our friends and family,” he said.

“Please remember why you were doing this and please remember the end has not yet arrived.

“We have come too far, sacrificed too much and please, if you think it’s over, it’s not.

“Do not let your actions today and tomorrow and in the coming weeks result in an empty chair at your table in the new year.

“So let’s all continue to work hard until the vaccine does the work for us.”