Four further covid-19 related deaths and 1,124 positive cases in NI

By Q Radio News

Four further deaths of patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 have been reported in Northern Ireland.

The region’s Department of Health has also reported another 1,124 cases of the virus.

On Tuesday morning there were 358 Covid-positive patients in hospital, of whom 34 were in intensive care.

To date, 2,625,815 vaccines have been administered

Four further covid-19 related deaths have been recorded in NI in the past 24 hours. @healthdpt has also reported 1,124 positive cases during the same period.

2,625,815 vaccines have been administered in NI in total. pic.twitter.com/yqif9E9ooM

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 26, 2021

It comes as the Health Minister has outlined the increased accessibility of rapid covid-19 tests across Northern Ireland. 

Robin Swann has also highlighted the importance of regular rapid testing to help stop the spread of covid-19 this winter, with around one in three people with the virus showing no symptoms. 

Minister Swann said: “Even if you have already been vaccinated, regular Rapid Testing is important in limiting the spread of the virus, helping to protect those who are vulnerable, as well our health and social care system.

“For those who don’t already test on a regular basis, I would encourage you to avail of the free Rapid Tests that are available and make testing part of your routine. Tests are now readily available for collection right across Northern Ireland and can also be ordered online for delivery straight to your door.”

Free Rapid Tests are now available for:

• Collection at over 550 sites across Northern Ireland, including 504 community pharmacies
• Online home delivery
• Workforce Testing Schemes

The Minister added: “It’s important to report every test result, positive, negative or void. This data helps us understand where Covid is spreading and allows us to tackle the virus more effectively.”

More than 40,000 tests were distributed by community pharmacies in the first four weeks of the service launching in September.

Cathy Harrison, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer said: “Community pharmacies have been a beacon of support in our communities throughout the pandemic. I would urge anyone who hasn’t started using Rapid Tests to ask for a test kit on their next visit to a community pharmacy.”

Matt Wills, Programme Director of the Rapid Testing Team said: “Rapid Tests are easy to access, simple to use and if you take a test first thing in the morning, your result will be ready before you leave the house. It is recommended that people should do a Rapid Test twice a week to check if they have the virus.”

(L-R) Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Cathy Harrison; Health Minister Robin Swann; Pharmacist Ryan McCullough, and Vice-Chair of Community Pharmacy NI, Peter Rice.