Last weekend, Northern Ireland hospitals experienced some of their worst 48 hours since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
An influx of Covid-19 patients saw hospitals pleading for staff to come to work, while families were asked to bring relatives home as soon as they are “medically fit” for discharge.
The Southern and Western trusts faced the worst pressure, while one in four people in Northern Ireland hospitals now has Covid-19.
There are over 700 Covid-19 patients in hospitals in the region, including 52 in ICU.
A further 759 Covid-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours. Sadly, a further 16 deaths have also been reported.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill says Northern Ireland is currently experiencing its pandemic worst case scenario as predictions about the potential pressures the region’s health service could face come true.
There have been 193 COVID deaths & over 56,000 new cases across Ireland this week.
COVID is spreading rapidly, devastating families & placing enormous strain on our health service.
This is the challenge of a generation.
We must act together as a community & island to overcome.
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) January 10, 2021