1,138 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed by NI

Today, an additional 1,138 Covid-19s have been reported in Northern Ireland.

Another death of a previously virus-positive patient was also announced.

There were 118 Covid-19-positive patients in the hospital this morning, and 6 were in the intensive care unit.

The latest figures also show that a total of 2,175,663 vaccines were given in Northern Ireland.

Earlier, Northern Ireland’s chief scientific adviser said he was very concerned about the stagnation of vaccination rates.

By July 18, nearly 82% had their first dose of jab, compared to 87.8% in the United Kingdom, 89.8% in Scotland and 90.5% in Wales.

Only 56% of the 18-29 year old group are vaccinated.

Professor Ian Young said he was “extremely worried” about accepting vaccinations.

“There are still about 18% of adults who are not willing to take the vaccine for the first time,” he told the BBC.

“And that means 18% of people who are as vulnerable to Covid’s most serious as early in the epidemic, have severe illness, long-term illness in the form of long-term Covid, and have the same risk of hospitalization. And death. “

He urged those who hadn’t come out for their jabs to “think really hard” about taking the opportunity.

Dr. Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer of NI, said the overall deployment of the vaccine program was a “great success”, reaching 82% from the “standing start” in December, “a remarkable achievement.”

“Vaccination is a way out of this pandemic. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, the number of people presenting for the first dose of the vaccine has been significantly slowed, especially in the younger age group,” he said. Said.

The story of the latest coronavirus

“Of all those eligible to be vaccinated, Northern Ireland is still vulnerable to the virus, may be infected with the virus, may be infected with the virus, and told Covid. There are 18% of people who can be infected for a long time, but the virus can still infect others.

“All they need to do is get up and step into the vaccine center or stop by one of the mobile clinics to get a jab, protect themselves and make progress on the way to the other side of this pandemic. Make sure you can maintain it. “

Dr. McBride said there was something to do to understand the hesitation.

He urged people to “don’t believe what you sometimes read about these vaccines on social media, Facebook, or Instagram.”

“These are safe and effective vaccines, so the US FDA, here in the UK drug regulators, and European drug regulators say.

“These are safe and effective vaccines, and I just urge all young people to take the opportunity to get jabs,” he said.

“It will be harder to obtain in the future. Access to the vaccine will be even more difficult as the first dose of the vaccine will end at the Mass Vaccination Center on 31 July and begin to stop them in August. We will continue to expand to those who have changed their minds even though they are late. “

Yesterday, we were notified of more than 1,700 new virus cases in Northern Ireland.

Modeling by the Ministry of Health shows that by mid-August, 3,000 to 4,000 viruses can occur per day, with a maximum of 8,000 per day in the worst case, and 400 to 600 in hospitals with Covid. May become. Worst scenario, over 1,000.

Dr. McBride said these numbers could be reduced by 50% if more than 5% of people were vaccinated with the first vaccination.

“Small percentage changes make a big difference in terms of pressure on our health services,” Northern Ireland adds that it is currently unlikely to reach its 90% immunization target.

He said at the peak of this wave, some scheduled and planned treatments may have to be delayed, as happened in previous waves.

“Obviously it’s a last resort, but it has to be realistic. The best way to keep our medical services open to business is to treat people who need access to care. Is to limit the number of cases in the community as we limit, knocking on pressure on our hospital, “he said.

The Chief Medical Officer said healthcare staff are under tremendous pressure and should be aware that “our healthcare system has finite capabilities.”

Professor Young said Staumont executives will face a “difficult decision” on Thursday when ministers meet to consider whether to approve the latest mitigation round in Northern Ireland.

He said the minister would need to find a “balance” between health data on pandemics and the economic and social harm caused by restrictions.

Regarding face masks, Chief Scientific Advisor said they will continue to support their use, especially in indoor environments.

“There are very strong cases where people continue to recommend face covers in indoor or poorly ventilated settings where they cannot be socially distanced,” Young added.