Menu
12/01/2022
Estimated 99,200 Covid-19 Cases In First Week Of January
An estimated 99,200 people in Northern Ireland had Covid-19 between 31 December and 06 January, according to the latest Department of Health statics.
The estimated figure represents 5.41% of the population or around 1 in 20 people. Modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 06 January in Northern Ireland.
COVID-19 infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and Omicron continues to be the most common variant across all UK countries; Delta compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron is now the dominant variant across the UK
The World Health Organization (WHO) have defined names for 'Variants of Concern'. These are variants that the UK government has under surveillance.
UK Variants of Concern:
Alpha: B.1.1.7
Beta: B.1.351
Gamma: P.1
Delta: B.1.617.2 and its genetic descendants
Omicron: B.1.1.529 (which includes sublineages BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3)
The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) of COVID-19 has changes in one of the three genes that coronavirus swab tests detect, known as the S-gene. This means in cases compatible with the Omicron variant, the S-gene is no longer detected by the current test. When there is a high viral load (for example, when a person is most infectious) absence of the S-gene in combination with the presence of the other two genes (ORF1ab and N-genes) is a reliable indicator of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). However, as the viral load decreases (for example, if someone is near the end of their recovery from the infection), the absence of the S-gene is a less reliable indicator of the Omicron variant.
The estimated figure represents 5.41% of the population or around 1 in 20 people. Modelling suggests the percentage of people testing positive continued to increase in the week ending 06 January in Northern Ireland.
COVID-19 infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and Omicron continues to be the most common variant across all UK countries; Delta compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron is now the dominant variant across the UK
The World Health Organization (WHO) have defined names for 'Variants of Concern'. These are variants that the UK government has under surveillance.
UK Variants of Concern:
Alpha: B.1.1.7
Beta: B.1.351
Gamma: P.1
Delta: B.1.617.2 and its genetic descendants
Omicron: B.1.1.529 (which includes sublineages BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3)
The Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) of COVID-19 has changes in one of the three genes that coronavirus swab tests detect, known as the S-gene. This means in cases compatible with the Omicron variant, the S-gene is no longer detected by the current test. When there is a high viral load (for example, when a person is most infectious) absence of the S-gene in combination with the presence of the other two genes (ORF1ab and N-genes) is a reliable indicator of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). However, as the viral load decreases (for example, if someone is near the end of their recovery from the infection), the absence of the S-gene is a less reliable indicator of the Omicron variant.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 December 2021
Walk-In Boosters Announced For Everyone Aged 30 And Over
New Health Trust vaccination hubs have been announced for walk-in boosters for anyone aged 30 and over who is at least three on from their second vaccine dose.
Walk-In Boosters Announced For Everyone Aged 30 And Over
New Health Trust vaccination hubs have been announced for walk-in boosters for anyone aged 30 and over who is at least three on from their second vaccine dose.
08 December 2021
First Omicron COVID-19 Variant Cases Confirmed In NI
The first Omicron COVID-19 variant cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland – with two cases in the same household in the greater Belfast area and a third unconnected case in the South Eastern Trust area. All three positive cases have been linked to travel from GB to NI.
First Omicron COVID-19 Variant Cases Confirmed In NI
The first Omicron COVID-19 variant cases have been confirmed in Northern Ireland – with two cases in the same household in the greater Belfast area and a third unconnected case in the South Eastern Trust area. All three positive cases have been linked to travel from GB to NI.
21 January 2002
Concerns raised over potential new case of vCJD
A potential second case of new variant CJD - the human form of “mad cow disease” - has been reportedly diagnosed in Northern Ireland. It is understood the man who has contracted the disease is in a stable condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Concerns raised over potential new case of vCJD
A potential second case of new variant CJD - the human form of “mad cow disease” - has been reportedly diagnosed in Northern Ireland. It is understood the man who has contracted the disease is in a stable condition in the Royal Victoria Hospital.
02 December 2022
Consumers To 'Rein In Their Spending' This Christmas
The cost-of-living crisis will cause consumers to rein in their planned spending on presents and celebrations over the festive period, according to PwC's annual Festive Predictions report. Following the impact of the Omicron variant on the festive season last year, many retailers had hoped for a return to normality in 2022.
Consumers To 'Rein In Their Spending' This Christmas
The cost-of-living crisis will cause consumers to rein in their planned spending on presents and celebrations over the festive period, according to PwC's annual Festive Predictions report. Following the impact of the Omicron variant on the festive season last year, many retailers had hoped for a return to normality in 2022.
25 February 2022
Covid-19 Childcare Support Scheme Extended
The Covid-19 Childcare Sustainability Fund is to be extended until 31 March 2022, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced. The Fund will assist the short-term viability of childcare providers and help ensure that they remain sustainable in the face of recent pressures resulting from the Omicron variant.
Covid-19 Childcare Support Scheme Extended
The Covid-19 Childcare Sustainability Fund is to be extended until 31 March 2022, Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced. The Fund will assist the short-term viability of childcare providers and help ensure that they remain sustainable in the face of recent pressures resulting from the Omicron variant.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
