Coronavirus briefing: Hundreds of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland nursing and care homes

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.

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News   What's On   Lifestyle              Apr 22, 2020           Good evening, We are now in the fifth week of lockdown and we are all still trying to adjust to these challenging times we find ourselves in. Since the start of the outbreak the team of journalists at the News Letter have worked hard to bring you all the information that is essential to you at this time and to try and help you make sense of it. The increasing numbers of deaths and infections are sobering but we endeavour to bring you the human stories behind those statistics. We will also want to bring you the stories of those in our communities who are doing amazing things in the effort to defeat this virus - such as our story today about 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. Throughout this crisis we will be there with you. Your News Letter team Here are today's headlines: 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 video can be viewed here           'Band of Stitchers' produces 4,000 scrubs           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.                 Coronavirus: Breathe easy? Reports that lockdown is fuelling cleaner, better air across NI   People across Northern Ireland have noticed cleaner air since lockdown, with many people sensing improvements in asthma and other respiratory illnesses, it is reported.           Mid Ulster initiative sees cooked meals delivered to those in need   Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre and Out and About Community Transport have come together to promote an initiative to provide cooked meals to those in need within the Magherafelt district during the current COVID-19 'lockdown.'                 View more on Coronavirus

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