Coronavirus: Health Minister impores vigilance after woman, 32, dies

It was the first death to be confirmed by the department for four days.

Figures published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency on Friday also showed that there had been four deaths involving the virus from August 1-7. The total COVID-19 related deaths figure stands at 859.

Mr Swann noted yesterday that his department has reported 74 new infections and urged people not to become complacent but to continue social distancing, wearing face masks and washing their hands as preventative measures.

The latest death was of Andrea Maftei, 32, originally from Romania but working in Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Her employer, Cafe Nobel, said its staff were “astounded” and “heartbroken”.

It said in an online post: “Andrea worked with us for twelve fantastic years, not only was she a trusted employee but a very loyal friend.”

The cafe said environmental health, the Public Health Agency and contact tracing bodies had concluded that the illness was contracted through a community-based outbreak and not through its food premises.

It added: “Unfortunately, Andrea has been taken from us under horrendous circumstances.”

Mr Swann urged the public not to let their guard down.

“Today my Department has reported 74 new positive cases and sadly one further death,” he said. “I want to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person who has tragically passed away. This upsetting news serves as a stark reminder that this virus has not gone away.

“I implore everyone to stick with it. Keep your distance, wash your hands, wear your mask and do not let this virus take a hold in our society. These measures, while simplistic, are essential to winning the battle.”

Of the total Coronavirus related deaths reported by NISRA so far, 859, it said that 452 (52.6%) took place in hospital, 349 (40.6%) in care homes, eight (0.9%) in hospices and 50 (5.8%) at residential addresses or other locations.

The 357 deaths which occurred in care homes and hospices involved 81 separate establishments. In the year to August 7, 80% of all Covid-19 related deaths were of people aged 75 and over. There are up to eight ongoing outbreaks in care homes, three of which have been confirmed. NISRA says 28.8% of deaths linked to the virus so far took place in Belfast.

The NI Executive says that to stop Coronavirus virus spreading, it is urging people to:

• Stay at home as much as possible

• Limit contact with other people

• Keep your distance if you do go out (stay two metres apart)

• Wash hands well and often

• Work from home if you can

• Don’t leave home if you or those in your house have symptoms.

• If you have symptoms you should book a free test.

• Check your symptoms with the symptom checker

See: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

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LiveCoronavirus NI - 32 year-old cafe worker dies after testing positive | Concern NI records 74 additional cases in 24 hours - highest daily number of infections since May 13

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