Dr. Tom Black says it's critical 'very worrying increase' in COVID-19 is reversed before it is 'too late'

Dr. Black, British Medical Association NI Council chair, said people needed to reduce their contacts to ensure transmission of the illness is lowered.

"There is no doubt that we are seeing a very worrying increase in numbers affected by COVID-19 and immediate measures are needed to try and reverse this trend before it is too late and, assuming people follow the guidance, hopefully we can reverse those numbers.

"This pandemic is not a sprint, it’s definitely a marathon and there is no doubt that we are flagging.

"But it is critical that we follow the measures to make sure transmission is lowered," he said.

Yesterday the latest Department of Health daily COVID-19 data showed that Derry and Strabane had posted the highest rolling seven day case rate in the north over the past week.

The seven day rate of positive coronavirus tests was 85.6 per 100,000 between September 15 and 21. The data for Wednesday has yet to be released.

Derry and Strabane posts highest weekly rate of COVID-19 in the north with weekend figures revised upwards

Speaking this morning Dr. Black said: "As transmission is occurring in the home it is essential that everyone plays their part by staying at home and not mixing with anyone from outside your household.

"I know this is very hard for many people but it is essential to stem the rise in cases. We also want to see people working from home if they can, washing their hands frequently and thoroughly, using a face-covering and downloading the app to help with tracing cases."

He said health professionals were already suffering burn out from the first wave of the illness in the spring.

"Speaking to doctors over the past few weeks I am in no doubt that they are all very, very apprehensive about the impact of a second wave. Many are still fatigued from the first wave, so it is key that we reduce the infection levels and continue to protect our health service," he said.