COVID: Extra Military Assistance Available To Northern Ireland 'If Needed'

Northern Ireland’s First Minister has "welcomed" assurances that further military assistance will be made available "if it was needed" to help NI cope with COVID-19.

It comes after Northern Ireland recorded its highest weekly coronavirus death toll since the pandemic began.

Another 156 fatalities occurred in the week of 9-15 January, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) said.

The figure emerged as Stormont ministers decided to extend the post-Christmas lockdown for a further four weeks until 5 March.

Earlier this week, it was announced 110 military personnel were deploying to Northern Ireland to help medical staff deal with the pandemic. 

NI First Minister Arlene Foster spoke with Defence Secretary Ben Wallace on Friday and said "the overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland welcomed the support".

Ms Foster, who also thanked Mr Wallace for the deployment of the medics, added: "I was greatly saddened by those who have criticised this deployment for intolerant political reasons.

"They have placed their ideology before the needs of patients. That is an appalling indictment on their motivations in public life.

"That is what neighbours do, they help each other in times of need."

Use of the Army has prompted tensions in the past in Northern Ireland, although personnel have previously helped out with weather-related incidents.

Ms Foster said according to Department of Health modelling, "this week should be the peak of hospital admissions" and the number of those admitted to hospital should "start reducing shortly".

"At the moment, it is a case of all hands on deck but even after this wave there will still be a need for support so routine surgeries can be reinstated," she said.

"We commend all those working in our hospitals who are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure our loved ones can receive treatment.

"For my part, I will do all I can to support them in any way possible as they do their vital jobs."

Nisra figures show the total number of COVID-related deaths in Northern Ireland up to 15 January was 2,186.

The comparative number of deaths reported daily by the Department of Health to 15 January was 1,583.

These figures are based on patients having previously tested positive for the virus, whereas the Nisra tally is based on information entered on death certificates completed by medical professionals.

They may or may not have previously tested positive for the virus.

Cover image: British Army.