Dear reader, Monday has brought more tragic news in the fast-moving story about Covid-19 outbreaks in Craigavon Area Hospital. The death of a fourth patient who had been treated at Craigavon's Haematology Ward and had tested positive for COVID-19 was announced by the Southern Health Trust on Monday. Previously, on Friday it was confirmed that two patients in the ward who had been diagnosed with Covid-19 had passed away. A third person formerly treated at the ward with a Covid diagnosis died at home, although the virus was not said to be the main cause of death. Speaking on Monday afternoon, Northern Ireland's health minister Robin Swann announced that a 'level three serious adverse incident' investigation will be undertaken. In a statement to the Assembly at Stormont, Mr Swann said that a "thorough investigation is required" and that the bereaved families are "entitled to answers". He warned that the Southern Trust will have "questions to answer" in relation to the outbreaks. Monday also saw one of the highest number of new Covid-19 cases confirmed in Northern Ireland on a single day. The Department of Health confirmed that 141 people here recorded positive tests over the previous 24 hours. The number of new cases confirmed here over the last week stands at 639. The news of recent days has certainly reminded us of the continuing danger presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. Our condolences go to all of the bereaved families. Take care. 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.
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