COVID-19: first NI death in a child under 15

Northern Ireland has had its first covid-related death in a child under the age of 15, it emerged today (Friday)

The current weekly figures, from NISRA include “the first

Covid-19 related death in Northern Ireland within the under 15 age group”

No further details have been given so it is not known whether they

had an underlying health condition.

The stats also show there were 19 covid related deaths in the last week of July.

The brings the overall death toll to 3,026.

The NISRA figure is drawn from different data sources than the toll reported by Stormont's Department of Health. It is always higher than the department's total as it provides a broader picture of the impact of Covid-19.

The statistics agency reports its Covid-19 data with a week lag.

The department's statistics focus primarily on hospital deaths and only include people who have tested positive for the virus.

Nisra obtains its data from death certificates on which Covid-19 is recorded as a factor by a medical professional, regardless of where the death took place or whether the patient tested positive.