Now 133 COVID-19 cases in Derry & Strabane

The Public Health Agency last provided a breakdown of the figures by Council area last Friday, band that stage there were 77 cases confirmed in Derry & Strabane.

THE PHA did not issue updated data for local areas again until today (Wednesday April 15).

It has now been confirmed that the number of laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases across Northern Ireland stands at 2088 today, and 140 people have tragically died in a hospital setting.

Over 13,000 people have been tested to date. Of these 1,638 tests have been conducted in the Western Trust area, but testing of health care staff is set to be ramped up locally with a new testing facility - the second in the north- expected to open in Derry tomorrow.

The rise in figures locally and across the north is due in part to ongoing changes in the ways in which data is being collated.

It is thought the number of cases and the number of deaths across the north will rise further once care home and other deaths due to coronavirus and suspected COVID-related deaths are taken into account. These figures are due to be published within days.

Of 139 deaths with data completed, the average age was 81 years old. Of these deaths, 57 (41%) were female and 82 (59%) were male.

Overall, one in three people who have tested positive for coronavirus to date has been aged under 44, with an additional 37% aged between 44 and 70. 30% are aged 70 and over. Most of the confirmed cases - 57% - are women and girls.