There has been one further Covid-related death reported by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland today (Wednesday).
According to the official dashboard, the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council area accounts for 285 deaths overall. Newry, Mourne and Down District accounts for 165 deaths and Mid-Ulster 202.
The overall total number of deaths recorded by the Department stands at 2,130.
There were a further 97 – down 15 – positive cases reported in the last 24 hours with 20 in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon – the second highest in NI. There was also a further eight in Newry, Mourne and Down and another 15 in Mid-Ulster.
A total of 2,032 individuals were tested.
There are 70 people – seven less than yesterday – in hospitals across Northern Ireland as a result of the virus, eight– up one on Tuesday – of whom are in intensive care units.
There are currently 38 ICU beds available in Northern Ireland.
Wednesday’s figures came as Health Minister Robin Swann visited the vaccination centre at South Lake Leisure Centre to meet those involved in helping to deliver the vaccination programme within the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
Speaking at the vaccination centre in Craigavon, the Health Minister said: “As we slowly and cautiously start to lift the restrictions that have become part of our lives there is no doubt there is much to be optimistic about.
“The success of our vaccination programme is down to the professionalism and dedication of all those across our HSC system, many of whom will have seen first hand the devastation that Covid-19 has brought to families across Northern Ireland.
“The vaccination programme continues at pace and I again would urge anyone who is over 40 and who still hasn’t booked a slot to please do so, this vaccine protects us and those close to you. I am looking forward to getting my second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine knowing the full protection that this will bring.”
The Minister added: “It has been a privilege to visit the Trust vaccination centres and to see the work being done by the vaccination teams.
“It is testament to them that we have now administered over 1 million vaccines and over 838,000 people in Northern Ireland have now received a Covid-19 vaccine.”
Also speaking at the Southern Trust’s vaccination centre, Mr Shane Devlin, Chief Executive said: “I am delighted that over 100,000 vaccinations have now been administered via the Southern Health and Social Care Trust’s vaccination programme.
“This includes care homes, supported living facilities, inpatients programme, allergy clinics, homeless hostels, day care, day opportunities and South Lake vaccination centre.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the vaccination programme for their superb commitment to one of the largest vaccination programmes in NHS history. It is a credit to the whole team involved.
“It is very important that anyone who is eligible for the vaccination to organise their jab at the earliest opportunity.”
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