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Bank Holiday caution warning as one more death confirmed from Covid-19 in Northern Ireland

'In the absence of a vaccine, the threat from the virus is no less than it was when we had to impose lockdown. Covid-19 is still lurking'

The total number of deaths in Northern Ireland from Covid-19 now stands at 506.

It comes after one more death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.

The update from the Department of Health is for the previous 24 hours.

It is the second day running when one death has been recorded.

There was also a total of 25 more positive cases of coronavirus confirmed.

The news comes as people continue to enjoy the start of an ease of restrictions over a Bank Holiday weekend.

But there has been a reminder by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill to help continue to drive down the rate of infection by limiting their activities in public and acting sensibly.

Going into the holiday weekend, First Minister Foster said: “In recent days the Executive, guided by the scientific and medical advice, has begun to relax restrictions that we had no choice but to impose.

“Restoring those liberties in the face of a deadly virus has been hard won. We can win back even more if everyone remains patient, remains disciplined and remains focused on controlling the rate of infection.

“In the absence of a vaccine, the threat from the virus is no less than it was when we had to impose lockdown. Covid-19 is still lurking.

“It thrives when people become complacent. It spreads when people become blasé about public health advice and it kills when people start acting as if the threat is no longer with us.”

Deputy First Minister O’Neill added: “We have said before that the Coronavirus battle is going to be a partnership effectively between this Executive and our citizens.

“Our success will depend on everyone being sensible, thinking about others and respecting the social distancing and hygiene advice which is so critical in keeping the spread of the virus low. We have said that there is no relaxation of any measure that is not without risk. That is why our approach is cautious and incremental and why the actions of the public are so important.

“We do not want to be in the position of having to reimpose any restrictions.

“The best we can do to keep moving forward and the best way we can continue to recover is to follow the regulations that are in place. Keep two metres away from those who are not part of your household. Keep washing your hands and observing good hygiene.”

 

 

 

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