Five further coronavirus deaths and 313 new cases recorded here in past 24 hours

By Q Radio news

A further five coronavirus deaths have been in Northern Ireland today.

The death toll now stands at 2,026 since the pandemic began.

The Department of Health's figures also show that 313 new cases of the virus have been recorded here in the past 24 hours.

COVID-19 UPDATE

📍5 Covid related deaths in NI in the past 24 hours

📍The death toll now stands at 2,026

📍313 new cases from 2,393 individuals tested in past 24 hours

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 19, 2021

Today's totals are down on yesterday's six deaths and 342 new cases.

Similarly, the number of people with coronavirus in local hospitals has went down from yesterday's 418 to 403 today.

49 of those patients are being treated in intensive care - down from yesterday's number of 51.

The news comes as all carers of someone who is elderly or disabled are able to book their coronavirus vaccination online at one of the seven trust centres. 

This week the Department of Health announced carers within certain age ranges can book their vaccine.  The Health Minister Robin Swann has decided today to remove the age criteria and open the scheme to anyone who is a main carer.

The Minister said: “Carers play a vital role in our society and are essential to those they look after.  Should a carer fall ill, the needs and welfare of those they care for could be put at risk. 

“This week we moved daily to increase the number of carers eligible, working our way down the age bands. 

"Today I have decided to remove the age criteria and open this up to all carers.  If you are a carer of someone who is elderly or disabled you can now book your vaccine online at one of the seven trust centres.”

You can book online at one of the seven trust vaccination centres if you are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, whose welfare may be at risk if you as carer fall ill.

Concluding the Minister said: “The vaccination programme in Northern Ireland is changing daily as we bring more and more people forward to get vaccinated.  If you have been offered the vaccine, I urge you to use your appointment, take up the offer and protect yourself and others.”

To make an appointment please visit the online portal: https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated.

The online platform is the primary source to book an appointment and should be used in the first instance.

A telephone booking system is also available should you not have access to the online portal.  Telephone 0300 200 7813. The phone line is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Anyone attending a vaccination centre can be assured that social distancing and other Covid safety rules are strictly applied.