No local deaths in a week as travel warnings remain

NEW figures have suggested there have been no recorded deaths from Covid-19 in Tyrone council areas within the past week.

Figures reveal that since the outbreak of coronavirus, there has been ten deaths in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) area, 20 deaths in Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) and 23 in Mid Ulster – a total of 53 deaths.

This figure is currently the same as of May 1, which shows there has been no further recorded deaths of coronavirus in the areas.

Meanwhile, the number of cases of the virus continues to rise locally with 74 cases now confirmed in FOCD, 155 in DCSDC and 159 in Mid Ulster with 3,934 positive cases confirmed across the North.

The virus continues to hit Northern Ireland as the number of Covid-19 related deaths has risen to 418, and the daily update from the Department of Health saw a rise of 14 deaths from yesterday (Wednesday).

The numbers of deaths here is expected to rise on Friday when NISRA release further statistics detailing figures which are based on the information entered on death certificates, filled out by medical professionals.

Ahead of the bank holiday weekend, the executive is holding talks about whether to relax any measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Northern Ireland’s Executive must review whether to amend the coronavirus regulations by Saturday, but Mr Swann said any change in the current restrictions would be gradual, with no overnight change or “big breakouts.”

Speaking at a Stormont press briefing Mr Swann said he wanted to issue a May Day alert to urge people to continue “to do the right thing” during the long weekend.

He added, “No matter how good the weather is, no matter how strong the temptation might be, don’t give in and don’t give up.

“We have a long way to go yet. This is no time for bailing out or doing your own thing.

“We must stick to social distancing. We can’t lose our way.

“We don’t want to look back in the future with regret,” said Minister Swann.