Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland Dr Michael McBride said in a statement that the news was not entirely unexpected and that plans are in place for such an eventuality.
Dr McBride stated that the confirmation of the seven cases does not mean the variant will become the most dominant strain in the North, but that it does highlight why caution is still essential in relation to Covid-19.
He explained: “The most effective way to stop variants developing or spreading is to keep pushing down infection rates and transmission of the virus in our community.
“All variants spread in the same way. We protect ourselves and others by following public health advice and getting vaccinated when our turn comes.
Coronavirus Ireland Easter warning as NPHET urge public to celebrate safely over long weekend dublinlive.ie - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dublinlive.ie Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Ulster Herald
Advertisement Posted: 11:49 am April 2, 2021
SHARE
As tentative steps are made to bring Northern Ireland out of Coronavirus restrictions, the region heads into Easter weekend with the ‘Stay at Home’ message still in place across Tyrone and NI as a whole.
The NI Executive announced a further easing of restrictions will take place on 12 April, but the vast majority of restrictions will stay in place for this weekend.
So what are the specific Coronavirus rules in place over Easter in Tyrone?
Advertisement
Current guidance which will remain in place until at least 12 April, is that you must stay at home except for a number of essential reasons.
LIVE Ireland lockdown updates as big jump in Covid cases announced and Easter warning given
Last night Professor Philip Nolan warned that Ireland is “highly likely” to be hit with a fourth wave of Covid-19 if there is a significant increase in social contact
The video will auto-play soon8Cancel
Play now
Welcome to our dedicated Covid-19 Live Blog where we will have all the latest updates on the Covid situation in Ireland.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of 18 additional deaths related to Covid-19.
Of the deaths reported today, 11 occurred in March and 7 occurred in February.
There have also been 761 new cases of COVID-19. confirmed.
Health chiefs launch Easter appeal to public over dangerous Covid-19 spread
Reporter: );
);
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Ireland Dr Ronan Glynn and the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland Dr Michael McBride have jointly appealed to the public across the island to continue to follow public health advice to ensure everyone can have a safe Easter.
Speaking following a meeting this afternoon, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Ireland Dr Ronan Glynn and the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland Dr Michael McBride in a statement said:
“Easter is a time when, traditionally, many of us spend time with our families and loved ones. Unfortunately, this Easter, we still have a very dangerous, very transmissible virus, circulating in our communities that continues to spread and cause serious illness and, sadly, death.