NI covid-19 related deaths continue to drop

by Q Radio News and PA reporter

The latest weekly figures published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra ) have indicated a drop in the number of deaths with coronavirus.

Nisra figures recorded 12 deaths involving Covid-19 in the week June 13-19, bringing the total number of deaths in the region to 816.

In the previous week, ending June 12th, Nisra recorded 20 deaths.

Of the 816 total, 420 or 51.5% took place in hospital, 340 in care homes, 8 in hospices and 48 at residential addresses or other locations. 

The 348 deaths in care homes and hospices involved 78 separate establishments. 

However, Nisra figures also show that people who live in care homes have accounted for about half (50.7% or 414) of Covid-linked deaths in Northern Ireland.

Of those deaths, 340 occurred in a care home, with the remaining 74 happening in hospital.

NISRA says no assumptions can be made in relation to where or when the deceased contracted the disease.

Meanwhile, the comparative number of deaths reported daily by the Department of Health up until June 19th was 545.

However, the department's figures are based on patients having previously tested positive for the virus, whereas the Nisra figures are based on the information entered on death certificates, completed by medical professionals.

They may or may not have previously tested positive for the virus.