Covid cases are escalating in Northern Ireland

669 cases of Covid-19 have been reported by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland.

Covid has took a death toll of about 585. There is drastic rise in the number of Covid cases which by now reaches up to 15,359.

In the last 24 hours 616 new cases were reported. Queen’s University in Belfast is “closely monitoring” an increase in coronavirus cases.166 students and staff at the south Belfast university have tested positive for Covid-19.

The new academic year has been started with around 25,000 of students. The university has stated that it has made interventions to ensure the safety of its students and the staff.

 A spokesperson said the university is liaising with the Public Health Agency (PHA) to ensure that it took right measures to control the spread of the disease.

He added that the students, staff and their families raised concerns about the increase in the number of cases.

He said that Queen’s is closely monitoring the situation and it will apply measures to protect the community. The university detailed that evidence gathered through contact tracing has indicated that transmission is happening in social or accommodation settings.

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has asked the university authorities to ensure their messaging is clear and it is received well by students.

Mr O’Dowd also asked Economy Minister Diane Dodds and Health Minister Robin Swann to bring forward Covid-19 advice for students through the Public Health Agency.