Photo above – A group of more than 60 stitchers from across Mid and East Antrim have made over 4,000 pairs of scrubs in around two weeks, to be distributed to hospitals and care homes.
There have been 297 confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported in nursing and care homes in Northern Ireland. The Stephen Nolan show this morning revealed the figure from the Public Health Agency as of 20 April. Statistics had already revealed that the virus had been reported in 56 homes in Northern Ireland. The PHA said it takes a “precautionary approach” to all respiratory infection cases.
The number of people to die in Northern Ireland after testing positive for COVID-19 has risen by 34 since yesterday. The increase includes eight deaths which occurred on Tuesday, with the remainder involving deaths in previous days that have now been added to the official record. The latest statistics from the Department of Health means the death-toll in Northern Ireland has risen from 216 on Tuesday to 250 on Wednesday afternoon.
People across Northern Ireland have noticed cleaner air since lockdown, with many people sensing improvements in asthma and other respiratory illnesses, it is reported. Belfast City Council advised the News Letter that air quality across the city currently falls within the “low” pollution banding. Green Party deputy leader, Malachai O’Hara, said it would take time to be able to look at the full trends for 2020 and draw firm conclusions. “However, many of us feel that the air is cleaner, we are breathing easier since lockdown,” he said. “Anecdotally, many people are also talking about improvements in their asthma or other respiratory illnesses.”
The UK death toll from coronavirus has risen by 759. The total now stands at 18,100.
The Psychological Services team at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust have produced a video aimed at supporting parents and children who have lost a loved one due to COVID-19.
The Northern Irish pro-life group, Precious Life have condemned the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) introduction of through-the-post abortion pills in Northern Ireland. The group is currently seeking legal advice to ensure this does not go ahead, stating that the abortion provider should not be capitalising on the coronavirus crisis.
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