Healthcare workers frightened about what lies ahead as Covid-19 hospital admissions set to rise
Northern Ireland Executive to meet today to discuss ongoing crisis
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It follows what has been called the worst 48 hours since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Northern Ireland s six health trusts have warned that by the third week of January, hospitals could be dealing with double the number of Covid patients.
On Monday, First Minister Arlene Foster said there were few options left to curb the current crisis, apart from a possible new curfew.
Mrs Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O Neill said while Northern Ireland was past the peak of new cases, the lag between people becoming infected and needing hospital treatment meant inpatient numbers were yet to hit their peak.
Northern Ireland lockdown likely to last beyond February 6 – chief medical officer First Minister Arlene Foster (right) and Deputy First Minister Michelle O Neill before a media briefing at the Hill of The O Neill, Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre in Dungannon. Northern Ireland remains in an extended lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus and lower infection rates. Rebecca Black and David Young, PA 12 January, 2021 19:29
First Minister Arlene Foster during a media briefing at the Hill of The O Neill, Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre in Dungannon. Northern Ireland remains in an extended lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus and lower infection rates.
May 13
First Minister Arlene Foster said she expected Northern Ireland to reach stage five of its pathway to recovery long before December 5. I would be very much hopeful that, unless there has been a second peak or second wave of this, she stated.
Stage five would have seen nightclubs open their doors, concerts happening, spectators attending sporting events, people returning to work and the hospitality sector reopened.
However, the country found itself in a two week circuit-breaker lockdown from November 27. Restrictions were later loosened in the run up to the festive season but that has led to the current spike in virus cases.