THE total number of Coronavirus-related deaths in the North of Ireland is 39 higher than had been previously reported.
The breakdown has been published for the first time by the NI Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra).
It recorded 157 coronavirus-related deaths in NI by Friday, April 10.
The number of deaths also includes suspected cases, whereas the Public Health Agency uses a different method and had recorded 118 deaths by the same date.
Nisra said there were 109 hospital deaths, 41 in care homes and hospices and seven at home addresses.
The deaths in hospices and care homes involved 23 establishments, the figures show.
Until now, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has been producing a daily bulletin detailing the number of recorded deaths with Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.
Earlier this week, Nisra said it would be publishing a weekly report with statistics of registered deaths.
The difference in the numbers is because Nisra records deaths where coronavirus has been mentioned on the death certificate, but may not be the definitive cause of death.
The PHA figures only record those who have died after a positive test for the virus.
Nisra said there were 435 deaths in Northern Ireland registered in the week ending Friday, April 10.
It means the North of Ireland had recorded 140 more deaths than the five-year average (of 295) for the corresponding week.
The new figures also show people older than 75 accounted for about 70% of Coronavirus-related deaths; 52% were men.
The new figures were “truly sobering”, if not unexpected, said Stormont’s Health Minister Robin Swann.
“It reflects the cruel and heart-breaking reality of the situation,” he said.
“Regardless of where any person passes away as a result of Covid-19; regardless of the age of that individual; and regardless of any underlying conditions they may have had, every death is just as devastating.”
First Minister Arlene Foster said the report provided a fuller picture of the course of the virus across Northern Ireland, which would help inform the executive’s response.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost someone to this disease,” said the DUP leader.
“We think particularly of all those who have passed away in care homes and I want to send a very clear message to their families that your precious loved ones will not be forgotten.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill added that it was right that every life lost to the disease is recognised.
“This new breakdown is a truer reflection of the scale of the pandemic in our community and is a poignant reminder of the need for everyone to stay at home; observe social distancing; and keep washing your hands,” she said.
“These actions will help to save more lives.”
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