NI to see consequences of Christmas decisions ‘this week and next’

'Superb' staff respond to Trust's plea for help at two NI hospitals

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Subscribe              Jan 11, 2021           Good morning Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride has this morning issued a stark warning when he said we have not reached the peak of the crisis in the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes after a Health Trust put out an SOS appeal for off duty staff to return to work as two NI hospitals became inundated with patients. Our health care workers are coming under increased pressure as it was revealed that nurses from across NI's health trusts will be expected to work in Belfast's Nightingale Hospital regardless of where they are usually based.  Adam Kula reports that there has been a massive collapse in the number of people falling seriously ill with seasonal flu – something which causes a regular spike in deaths each winter. Back in October, this was foretold by virus expert Ultan Power of Queen's University Belfast. Sam McBride writes: Just a week into the Irish sea border, Northern Ireland is one storm or boat breakdown away from a critical break in its supply chain to the rest of the UK. You can read his full piece here. Have a good day and keep safe. Michael Cousins Deputy digital editor * Why not start off the New Year with a digital subscription to have unlimited access to the work of our top journalists, thought-provoking columnists and exclusive content from as little as £1 a month? Check out your subscription options here.   We also have a special offer for you - 21% off all our monthly or annual subscription packages - when you use the code 21NEWYEAR between now and Sunday, January 17.            NI to see consequences of Christmas decisions 'this week and next'           Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride has said we have not reached the peak of the crisis in the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.                 'Superb' staff respond to Trust's plea for help at two NI hospitals   The Southern Health Trust has thanked staff who responded to an urgent appeal last night as two NI hospitals became inundated with patients.           Vaccine campaign: NI pharmacies ready to give roll-out plan a 'shot in the arm' as programme scales up   Community pharmacies in Northern Ireland will play a "full and active part" in the "scale-up" of the coronavirus vaccination plan, Stormont health chiefs insist.           'Our libel laws silence the press'   Later today Lord Lexden will raise in Parliament the issue of libel law reform in Northern Ireland.           We should not overlook the reasons why supporters of Donald Trump protested   A letter from Stanley Kerr:           Serious winter flu cases virtually wiped out in Northern Ireland   There has been a massive collapse in the number of people falling seriously ill with seasonal flu – something which causes a regular spike in deaths each winter.           A lack of social distancing in supermarkets is causing concern - how to stay safe   Social distancing measures have now been in place for many months, but as lockdowns continue across the UK, the vaccine minister has warned that these measures are slipping in certain settings.               Through the archives: Hundreds of ration books 'unlawfully' obtained claims Belfast food control office   From the News Letter, January 11, 1940       James Craig, organisational genius behind Ulster's determined resistance to Home Rule   January 8 was the 150th anniversary of the birth of NI's first prime minister, writes GORDON LUCY                             Stephen Lowry praises clubs' efforts in Covid response           Stephen Lowry has praised his club, Coleraine, and the Irish League as a whole for the way they have handled the Covid-19 pandemic.                   FLASHBACK: Try our sports quiz   Test your sporting knowledge:       Ross Redman named NIFWA Danske Bank Premiership Player of the Month   Ballymena United left-back Ross Redman is the NIFWA Danske Bank Premiership Player of the Month for December.       Ulster fall as Leinster end unbeaten run   Leinster inflicted Ulster's first Pro14 defeat of the season last night to take control back of Conference A.                   View more news

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