Dear reader After so many difficult months, the news this week on the coronavirus pandemic in Northern Ireland continues to be more positive. The latest statistics published by the Department of Health on Friday showed that there were 14 Covid-19 related deaths in the Province over the last week, which is down by half from the 28 deaths recorded from the previous week. There have been a further two deaths in the last 24 hours with the department also confirming an additional 166 infections in the last day. The department's positive figures are also reflected in those released by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) on Friday morning. NISRA reported that the Province has just recorded its lowest seven-death Covid-19 death toll in more than four months. All of this does not mean we are out of the woods just yet, but coupled with the success of the UK's outstanding vaccination programme, there are reasons to feel optimistic again as the spring progresses. Hopefully we will soon be given more information about the lifting of restrictions. Have a lovely 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. |