Death toll soars to 1,671 in NI after 22 more lose lives in Coronavirus pandemic

According to the latest dashboard that now brings the death toll here to 1,671.

Four people died outside the 24-hour time period, according to the DoH.

Meanwhile another 905 people have tested positive in the last 24 hours.

A total of5,893 people have tested positive in the last seven days.

There are now 832 patients with positive cases of Coronavirus in NI hospials - 67 of that number being treated in ICU.

There are now 138 cases of COVID-19 in NI Care Homes.

The dashboard also reveals that our four local hospitals are now operating beyond their capacity.

The dashboard reveals that - the South West Acute Hospital is operating at 109.7%

-Antrim Area Hospital is operating at 108.0%

-Causeway Hospitalis operating at 101.3%

- and the Ulster Hospital is operating at 100.9%.

The news comes after Health Minister Robin Swann reiterated his appeal to anyone with symptoms or has been diagnosed with COVID-19 to self-isolate at home.

If you have been confirmed as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 you are also required to self-isolate, as are those travelling from abroad except for a number of very specific exemptions.

The Minister said: “Those who self-isolate are playing their part in the ongoing fight to drive down community transmission. They will protect themselves, the most vulnerable in society and those working on the front line in our hospitals.

“I appreciate fully that for many people the need to stay at home will involve considerable sacrifice not least in terms of coping with the feelings of loneliness or financial pressures.

“You may find that social distancing and staying at home can be boring, frustrating or lonely and that your mood and feelings are affected.

“You may feel low, worried or have problems sleeping and you might miss being with other people.

“Every effort is being made to address these issues and advice on how to make staying at home more manageable can be found at Coronavirus (COVID-19): self-isolating | nidirect.”

In addition, a range of financial support may be available for short-term living expenses if you have a positive COVID-19 diagnosis or you are in self-isolation.

A non-repayable Discretionary Support Self Isolation Grant may be available to you if you are on a low income and are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of being told to self-isolate.