Public urged to remain on high alert after Covid death

Health Minister Robin Swann has urged people across the North to remain on high alert against Covid-19 after the first death in almost a month.

The Minister was commenting after his Department’s Covid-19 data dashboard recorded a death for the first time in almost a month.

The dashboard also reported 76 new cases since Friday, with the number of people testing positive over the past seven days standing at 165.

Mr Swann stated, “I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the person who has tragically passed away.

“This is very distressing news and it underlines once again the threat posed by Covid-19.

“I urge everyone across Northern Ireland to do everything they can to keep themselves and others safe.

“We all have to remain on high alert.

“There are practical and vital steps we can each take – including maintaining social distancing, washing our hands and wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces like shops.

“The Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer have warned against complacency – and I would call on everyone to heed that warning.

“We have a duty to protect those in our community who are most vulnerable to this virus,” said Mr Swann.