The total number of Covid-19 related deaths in the Fermanagh and Omagh District area has been revealed to be 16 up to and including May 8. The figures have been revealed following the release of the latest statistics from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.

These statistics represent the most complete picture of deaths in relation to Covid-19 as it takes into account deaths where individuals had not tested positive for Covid-19. According to Department of Health figures, which take into account only those who have tested positive, 10 deaths had occurred in the Fermanagh and Omagh area. 

Fermanagh and Omagh has the lowest number of deaths across Northern Ireland. 

For Northern Ireland the NISRA figures shows a total of 599 deaths up to May 8 that were related to Covid-19 since the pandemic began. This is an increase of 167 on the 432 deaths that were reported by the Department of Health for the same date. 49 per cent of those 599 deaths occurred in hospitals with 46 per cent occurring in Care Homes. The remaining deaths occurred in hospices or in a residential setting.

According to a NISRA press release this morning: “Over the last six weeks in total, 766 ‘excess deaths’ (deaths above the average for the corresponding period in previous years) have been registered in Northern Ireland.”

The statement went on to say: “Separate analyses based on the date of death registration, shows that the provisional number of total deaths registered in Northern Ireland in the week ending 8th May 2020 (week 18) was 336, 91 fewer than in week 17, but 62 more than the five year average of 274.”

Persons aged 75 and over accounted for two-thirds (67%) of all deaths and 78.2% of COVID 19 related deaths registered this calendar year up to 8th May.