‘Shocking and frightening’- huge increase in new infections in NI as 934 are recorded in 24 hours

Multiple winter lockdowns may be needed in NI, warns Stormont scientific adviser Professor Ian Young

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Subscribe              Oct 2, 2020           Dear reader Northern Ireland has broken its own record for the number of daily Covid-19 cases many times over recent weeks, but the jump announced on Friday was by far the biggest yet. The 934 cases reported by the Department of Health is more than double the highest daily total prior to Friday. In the Derry City and Strabane council area – Northern Ireland's current infection hotspot – the prevalence rate soared to a seven-day average of 422.8 cases per 100,000 people, a 100 rise on Thursday's rate. The announcement followed grim warnings of more lockdowns earlier in the day from Stormont's scientific adviser Dr Ian Young, who said the public should expect "multiple lockdowns" over the winter.  That followed a similar warning from Dr Michael McBride, the executive's chief medical officer.  Meanwhile, the DUP MP Jim Shannon said he is self-isolating after sharing a dinner table with SNP MP Margaret Ferrier earlier this week.  Ms Ferrier is fighting for her political future and facing calls to quit as an MP after admitting that she travelled from Glasgow to London despite having Covid-19 symptoms.  Mr Shannon has had a coronavirus test which has come back negative.  Stay safe and enjoy your weekend   Alistair Bushe Editor    Want total access to all of our online content? You can subscribe to our website, newsletter.co.uk for just £1 a month for 3 months - and it couldn't be easier. Signing up will get you faster-loading articles, fewer adverts and access to exclusive content and events when we run them. To learn more, visit our Subscriptions page here.           NI death-toll now 901 after NISRA detect five new COVID-19 related deaths           The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has detected five new COVID-19 related deaths - it takes the death-toll to 901.                 DUP MP Jim Shannon sat with Covid-19 positive SNP woman Margaret Ferrier during dinner   DUP MP for Strangford in Co Down Jim Shannon was seated at the same dining table as Margaret Ferrier on Monday evening, his party said, and is self-isolating.           Another patient dies after virus outbreak at hospital   Another patient has died with Covid-19 at Daisy Hill Hospital in Co Down.           'Shocking and frightening'- huge increase in new infections in NI as 934 are recorded in 24 hours   The news that 934 individuals in Northern Ireland tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours has been described by one publicly elected official as "shocking and frightening".           Mid and East Antrim swimming pools reopening update   Swimming pools in Mid and East Antrim will reopen to the public on Monday, October 5.           Pupils and staff at NI school test positive for COVID-19 - NI bar closes after staff members test positive - Londonderry facing full lockdown if coronavirus surge does not improve   Pupils and staff at a school in Northern Ireland have tested positive for COVID-19 - the school is closed today to facilitate a deep clean.           Multiple winter lockdowns may be needed in NI, warns Stormont scientific adviser Professor Ian Young   People in Northern Ireland should prepare for the potential of multiple winter lockdowns, Stormont's chief scientific adviser has said.                 View more on Coronavirus

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