613 positive Covid cases in Downpatrick area last week

613 positive Covid cases in Downpatrick area last week

19 January 2022

THE Downpatrick area recorded 613 coronavirus cases between January 10 and 17, the Department of Health has confirmed.

Figures published on Monday revealed that there had been four more Covid-related deaths across the province and a further 3,295 positive cases, bringing the total number of positive cases to 483,627 since the start of the pandemic.

Monday’s figures also revealed that there were 394 Covid-19 confirmed patients in hospital and 28 in intensive care.

The highest number of recorded Covid cases between January 10 and 17 was in the Newry and Warrenpoint area with 1,000 people testing positive. 

Dungannon (893 cases) and Derry and Dungiven (765) were in second and third place respectively in the Covid infection league table. Newry, with 709 cases, was in fourth place ahead of Derry (681).

Downpatrick’s total of 613 cases — which placed the area in seventh place in the table – was 45 less than 

Newtownards and seven more than Newtownabbey.

The publication of the latest Covid figures came after Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer, Sir Michael McBride, issued a fresh call for pregnant women to get vaccinated.

The warning comes as the spread of the Omicron variant continues to cause high case numbers in Northern Ireland with Sir Michael explaining that a recent study provides more evidence that having Covid-19 during pregnancy carries a far higher risk than having the vaccine, particularly in the later stages where it can have serious consequences for both mother and baby.

“Covid-19 vaccination is crucial in protecting women and babies from the life-threatening complications that can be associated with the virus,” said the chief medical officer.

““Anyone who is pregnant and has not received all of their vaccinations should not put off getting vaccinated until after their pregnancy.”

In addition to Sir Michael, a labour ward sister at the Ulster Hospital — managed by the South Eastern Trust — also urged all expectant mums to come forward to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations in light of a the study from the University of Edinburgh which found that women who get Covid-19 towards the end of their pregnancy are at an increased risk of birth-related complications.

The study findings reveal that preterm births, stillbirths and newborn deaths are more common among women who have the virus 28 days, or less, before their delivery date.

In addition, the study also provided further reassurance on the safety of vaccination during pregnancy.

Sister Kate McGarrigle said it was crucial for all women to come forward and receive their Covid vaccination, especially in light of the highly transmissible Omicron variant. 

“If you do not receive your vaccine, you are at risk of becoming seriously unwell,” she warned.

“Receiving the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your unborn baby. It is understandable that there are concerns around receiving the vaccine. Please do come forward and speak to your midwife or obstetrician and get information to allow you to make a decision.”

Vaccination clinics for first and second dose and booster jab vaccinations are available either by walk-in or appointment at the Downshire Hospital Great Hall in Downpatrick, the Ulster Hospital’s acute services block or Lisburn’s primary care and community care centre.

Further details on vaccination criteria and clinic times can be found on the health trust’s social media pages or by visiting the website www.setrust.hscni.net.