Antrim and Newtownabbey Covid-related death rate second only to Belfast

Antrim and Newtownabbey has the second highest number of Covid-related deaths in Northern Ireland.

According to figures published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, it was second only to the Belfast Local Government District (LGD) at the end of August.

Antrim and Newtownabbey had 73.1 deaths per 100,000.

Belfast LGD had the most Covid related fatalities with 90.0 deaths per 100,000.

By comparison, the figure was 44.1 per 100,000 in Mid and East Antrim and the lowest was Fermanagh and Omagh, 17.2.

The figure for the East Antrim constituency was 55.3, South Antrim, 66.4 and North Antrim, 51.1.

Covid-19 related deaths were highest for the 20 per cent most deprived areas in Northern Ireland and in urban areas.

Overall, 102 of the 875 (11.7%) Covid-related deaths in Northern Ireland were people of working age (aged 20-69), of which the largest group, (40 people), 39.2% were in the skilled trades, elementary occupations or process, plant and machine operative occupational groups.

Males had a “significantly higher” rate of death linked to Covid-19 with 69.9 deaths per 100,000 compared with 45.8 deaths per 100,000 females.

Between March and August, 40.5% of male and 44.3% of female

Covid-related deaths were among people aged 80-89 years.

Earlier this week, Health Minister Robin Swann announced that Northern Ireland has been chosen as one of the regions to take part in a UK trial of a potential vaccine to help in the fight against Covid-19 which is expected to commence by the end of the week.

The Minister said: “The importance of finding a vaccine to help in the battle against this virus cannot be overstated.

“Currently there are over 30 vaccine trials taking place around the world in an effort to discover as soon as possible which will be safe and effective. It is vital that Northern Ireland joins this important world-wide effort.”

Today, the Department of Health announced that the StopCOVID NI app is now available to 11-17-year-olds.

Meetings have been held with the Commissioner for Children & Young People, the Information Commissioner’s Office and representatives from the Children’s Law Centre, to ensure appropriate and safe access to the app for younger people, within the legal constraints of GDPR and safeguarding.

The Health Minister continued: “The more people with this app active on their smart phones, the more effective it will be. It will make a significant contribution to reducing the spread of the virus by speeding up notification of infection risk and advising self-isolation where required.

“I would reassure young people and everyone else that the app protects their privacy. The Government does not know who you are, where you are, or who you have been with.”

Read previous app-related story here

Meanwhile, South Antrim MP Paul Girvan has welcomed the allocation of a further £40m to local councils from the Northern Ireland Executive to address lost income as a result of the pandemic.

The DUP MP stressed the important role that councils have played in supporting communities and businesses at this difficult time.

“Since the outbreak of Covid-19, I have worked closely with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to support the community response and to secure assistance for local businesses.

“I was delighted to help secure funding for a range of community organisations across South Antrim to help fund their amazing efforts in providing support to those in need within South Antrim.

“The funding for local businesses to assist with their safe reopening and the promotion of our tourist sector has also been important steps taken by the council.

“With lost income to the council and additional expenditure, I was determined to ensure extra support was made available to continue this important work.

“The allocation of £40m will help ensure that local councils can continue this important work.”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

--

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high-quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.