14 deaths and 1,566 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Northern Ireland
The North entered a six-week lockdown on December 26, in a bid to help slow the spread of the virus in the region. File Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
There have been 14 further Covid-19-related deaths in Northern Ireland.
According to the NI Department Health, an additional 1,566 new cases of the virus have also been confirmed in the North.
There has now been a total of 1,305 confirmed Covid-19-related deaths in NI since the outbreak began.
The total number of positive cases recorded there now stands at 68,762.
Northern Ireland's hospitals are operating over capacity at present, as increasing case numbers heap pressure on NI’s health system.
The North entered a six-week lockdown on December 26, in a bid to help slow the spread of the virus in the region.
Non-essentials shops are closed, as are services such as barbers and hairdressers. All indoor gatherings are prohibited between the hours of 8pm and 6am.
Hospitality businesses are limited to takeaway services only.
Restrictions will remain in place until January 2.
The Department's #COVID19 dashboard has been updated.
— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 29, 2020
1,566 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in past 24 hours (figures may include samples taken on several days over past week). 14 deaths have been reported (1 outside reporting period).https://t.co/YN16dmGzhv pic.twitter.com/P0RQu1XJFB
Northern Irish Health Minister Robin Swann issued a warning to everyone to keep to restrictions over the New Year period.
Mr Swann said: “We are now familiar with the additional restrictions which came into effect on Boxing Day.
“Whilst it is challenging, the new restrictions are essential if we are to drive down the positive cases in Northern Ireland.
“We continue to see large numbers of positive cases and deaths on a daily basis and we need a collective effort if we are to turn the tide against this virus.
“It is well known that Covid-19 poses a significant threat to our elderly population but it can affect anyone and can be transmitted by everyone.”
On November 29, 20 to 39-year-olds accounted for 27.5% of positive cases, but today that figure is 41.5%.
Mr Swann added: “The rise in this age group may be linked to behaviour and although young adults may think they are immune to Covid-19, their relatives and loved ones are not.
“We must all redouble our efforts to push down infection rates. That does not mean some people must make sacrifices and restrict their lives while others do not.
“We can all do this by reducing our contacts and staying at home.
“If you do have to go out, wear a face covering and wash your hands regularly. Do not be that person who brings Covid-19 home in 2021.
“Our health service is going to be under severe pressure over the next few weeks, please do not add further to that.”
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