NISRA coronavirus-related death toll rises over 1,500
There were 80 coronavirus-related deaths in the last week, according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency.
It brings the death toll as reported by NISRA to 1,501.
The latest figures account for deaths from 28 November to 4 December.
Statistics show that 59% of coronavirus-related deaths took place in hospital, 33.5% in care homes, 0.6% in hospices and 7% at residential addresses.
The comparative number of deaths reported daily by the Department of Health to 4 December was 1,039.
These figures are based on patients having previously tested positive for the virus, whereas the NISRA figures are based on the information entered on death certificates completed by medical professionals. They may or may not have previously tested positive for the virus.
Further analysis of Covid-19 related deaths in care home residents, shows that of the 630 deaths, 503 occurred in care homes, with the remaining 127 taking place in hospital.
That means deaths of care home residents account for 42% of all coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland.
NISRA also looked into the number of deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate - 98 of which took place on the week ending 4 December.
The total number of Covid-19 related deaths registered up to this date is 1,480.
People aged 75 and over account for over 77% of coronavirus-related deaths.
Moreover, those with an address in Belfast accounted for 25% of all Covid-19 related deaths.
Latest daily figures
Twelve more people who tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland have died, according to the Department of Health – 11 of them in the last 24-hour reporting period.
It brings the official death toll as recorded by the department to 1,111.
The latest figures also show there have been 538 new positive cases, out of 3,407 individuals tested.
In the last seven days, there have been 3,091 positive cases.
There are currently 423 people with Covid-19 being treated in hospitals across Northern Ireland – 28 of them in intensive care and 23 on ventilators.
Bed occupancy is said to be at 100%.
Antrim Area, the Causeway, Lagan Valley, the Royal Victoria, the South West Acute, and the Ulster Hospital are all operating beyond capacity.
There are also 110 confirmed outbreaks of Covid-19 in care homes.
On Thursday evening, just ahead of restrictions in Northern Ireland being lifted, First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill urged people to still adhere to public health guidance around social distancing, mask wearing, and good hygiene.
“People have to realise that personal responsibility is the key issue here,” Mrs Foster said.
“We are keeping a very close eye on where the R number is at. We’ll be looking at that again next week and the week after to see where we are going with restrictions.”