Rise In Covid-19 Cases Causes Swann To Urge Caution

Health Minister Robin Swann has expressed his concern at the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Northern Ireland.

The dashboard today (11 August 2020) has reported 48 new cases in the past 24 hours with the number of people testing positive over the past seven days now at 194.

Mr Swann said: “I am concerned about the rise in positive cases in recent days.  We now have an average of over 27 new positive cases per day compared to approximately three per day a few short weeks ago.

“It is very concerning that nine people have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19, two of which are currently in ICU.  This highlights the continuing threat from COVID-19 and we must all do everything within our power to tackle this.

“Contact tracing remains key to tackling COVID-19 and I congratulate the team who are working hard to track and trace those who have been in contact with positive cases. 

“The StopCOVID NI app is also fundamental in this fight.  Since going live I am heartened that there have been over 230,000 downloads.

“However I am urging everyone to share the app with friends and family who have not yet got it.  The more people that have it, the more effective it will be.”

The Minister said: “We spent many weeks clapping in support of our health and social care staff and I urge everyone to remember why we did that. 

“The threat has not gone away and our HSC system still needs our support.  The measures that we have introduced will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep more of our loved ones and family safe.

“I therefore make no apology for once again urging everyone to remain vigilant.  Do not let down your guard.”

To maintain good personal hygiene to prevent Covid-19 and :

• wash your hands regularly and wear your face covering in enclosed spaces like shops
• always keep your distance.  It is easy to forget how important social distancing is, however, we all must remember how far we have come since the beginning of this pandemic. 
• do not let your resolve wain. 
• stay at least 2 metres from people from outside your household wherever possible
• closely follow other interventions at all times such as hand washing, using sanitiser, using rubber gloves when appropriate, and not coughing or sneezing openly but doing so into the crook of your arm.
• dispose of all used masks, tissues and items of Personal Protection Equipment safely.
• keep work tops and areas that are touched regularly disinfected and generally be tidy to prevent cross-infection.
• be alert! Covid-19 works 24/7/365.

Remain vigilant of COVID-19 McGrath tells public.

SDLP Health Spokesperson, Colin McGrath MLA has urged communities to proceed with caution in the days and weeks ahead, as confirmed COVID-19 cases have risen. 

The South Down MLA said: “I am deeply concerned about the rise in positive COVID-19 cases in recent days. 

“We now have an average of over 27 new positive cases per day compared to approximately three per day a few short weeks ago.

“This should underscore the need to remain vigiliant. This virus is still with us and we must be cautious.

‘Let us not fall into the trap of thinking that this pandemic is at an end. We need to be patient and vigilant, listen to the experts, follow the science and proceed with caution.

“We all recognise that we are in extraordinary times, but we must also realise we are not past the finish line yet. I am urging people to continue to social distance, wash your hands and wear a face covering. We can get through this but only if we work together.”