2,000 Covid-19 deaths a ‘harsh reminder we cannot be complacent’ – Swann

Q Radio News/PA

The milestone of 2,000 Covid-19 deaths in Northern Ireland serves as a harsh reminder that the battle against the virus is far from over, the Health Minister has said.

The number of fatalities recorded by Stormont’s Department of Health reached 2,000 on Monday, after a further four Covid-19 linked deaths were confirmed.

The toll collated by the department focuses on deaths involving a positive diagnosis of Covid-19.

The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) counts fatalities where coronavirus has been mentioned on a death certificate, even if a positive test result had not been confirmed.

The Nisra figure is therefore higher than the toll recorded by the department. It stood at 2,614 on February 5.

Health Minister Robin Swann has emphasised that the threat of #COVID19 must never be underestimated. He was speaking after NI reached another sad milestone in the pandemic with the @healthdpt's dashboard recording 2,000 Covid-related deaths.

➡️https://t.co/3lQa2z54yi pic.twitter.com/k6A5B36W4l

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) February 15, 2021

Commenting on the departmental toll milestone, Health Minister Robin Swann said: “We must not forget that behind every death will be a family left in grief.

“I want to extend my sincere condolences to every family mourning the loss of a loved one.

“Sadly, we know this virus has the potential to take more lives so it remains as important as ever to be vigilant and follow all the public health advice.

“Today serves as another harsh reminder that we cannot be complacent.”

Mr Swann hailed progress in rolling out Covid-19 vaccines in Northern Ireland but he warned people not to get ahead of themselves.