Hospital occupancy rates exceed 100% - further Covid-19 deaths reported

'Flexible' guidance issued to schools ahead of return of pupils

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Subscribe              Aug 19, 2021             Michael Cousins Acting Managing Editor Good afternoon from the team at the News Letter In Coronavirus news: The Department of Health Covid-19 dashboard has today reported that Northern Ireland hospitals have now exceeded capacity. The dashboard states that hospital are running at 102% with 431 beds occupied by Covid-19 patients. In ICU 91% of beds are in use caring for 46 Covid patients.  New research from the University of Oxford found that vaccinated people can still pass on Delta variant - but protection remains high.  Importantly, the report states "The vaccines are better at preventing severe disease. The fact that you see more viral load (with the Delta variant) hints towards herd immunity being more challenging." In other news:  A Sinn Fein councillor has reportedly denied claims that the party snubbed a memorial service for two Irish policemen killed eight decades ago. Dublin City Council this week unveiled a plaque to the pair of officers, who were shot dead by two republicans in Rathgar Road, in south-east Dublin, on August 16, 1940. Cruise passengers baffled at being 'held captive' in Belfast. A female passenger spoke out on the Nolan Show, saying over 600 people had been allowed to disembark for pre-arranged tours, but a similar number were not allowed to leave the ship to roam freely around the city. "We feel as if we're being held captive here, people have planned to meet family and friends they haven't seen for 18 months," she said. Have a good evening Michael Cousins Acting Managing Editor Subscriptions Did you know you can subscribe to the News Letter for only £1 month for the first three months? With our most popular offer, Digital +,  you'll get unlimited access to the website, see 70% fewer ads, be able to access our online puzzles section and access the newspaper edition app on mobile, tablet and desktop.  Support the News letter today and help us continue to tell your stories for generations to come.             Hospital occupancy rates exceed 100% - further Covid-19 deaths reported           The information was released on the department of Health dashboard                 Guidance issued to schools ahead of the return of pupils has been designed to be flexible   Guidance issued to schools ahead of the return of pupils has been designed to be flexible, the Education Minister has said.           Cruise passengers baffled at being 'held captive' in Belfast   Confusion reigns for hundreds of cruise passengers today, as they are forbidden from disembarking in Belfast.           NI braced for 40mm of rain in one day this weekend   Forecasters are warning that up to 40mm of rain could fall in parts of Northern Ireland in a single day this weekend.           Four men and boy of 14 charged over brawl in middle of busy Londonderry road   Five males have been charged in relation to an extraordinary confrontation which erupted in the middle of a busy road in Londonderry city on Tuesday.           Vaccinated people can still pass on Delta variant - but protection remains high   Scientists have warned that people who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 can still pass on the Delta variant to others, dashing hopes of achieving herd immunity.           Guarded welcome for 'amnesty' bill after veterans meet SoS in London   Government plans to end all Troubles legacy prosecutions and inquests have been given a guarded welcome by a major veterans' grouping following a meeting in London.               House market boom: First-time buyers hit by lending freeze now face rising deposits   The property boom in NI has left a "huge cohort of people alienated from ever owning a home of their own", according a local housing association.       Where's Wally? Wally the Walrus continues tour of the Wild Atlantic Way   Wally the Walrus is continuing his tour of the Wild Atlantic Way with people flocking to see the wandering mammal off the west Cork coast.                             Football great Denis Law reveals dementia diagnosis           Manchester United and Scotland great Denis Law says he has been diagnosed with "mixed dementia".                   Jonathan Rea braced for another new challenge at Navarra in Spain   Jonathan Rea resumes his quest for a seventh successive World Superbike title this weekend at another new circuit on the calendar, following on from the inaugural WSBK race at Most in the Czech Republic.       Rangers close in on midfield transfer   Steven Gerrard revealed Rangers are working hard to bring in a new midfielder and he hopes to have one in sooner rather than later.       Ireland focus on EuroHockey semi-final clash after win over Croatia   Ireland will face Scotland in tomorrow's EuroHockey Championship II semi-final thanks to victory over Croatia by 6-0.                   View more news

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