Concerns have been raised regarding the relaxing of Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland following an outbreak in a neurosurgery ward.
The partner of a patient who has recently been placed in isolation following a Covid outbreak on the Neurosurgery Ward of the Royal Victoria Hospital said they were concerned that the virus is not being taken seriously anymore as people are still being infected.
The most recent Department of Health report on the virus said that between March 1 and March 7, it was estimated that around 26,000 were infected with Covid in Northern Ireland.
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Speaking to Belfast Live, the partner of someone on the neurosurgery ward said they were concerned that more is not being done to prevent the spread of the virus and that "it is still here and making people sick".
They said: "My partner has been on the ward and has a life-limiting condition that makes them very vulnerable. Many of the others on the ward are in the same situation and I am very worried after there was a Covid outbreak declared and people were having to be put into isolation.
"I don't think it is a coincidence that since restrictions have been loosened everywhere that things like this are beginning to happen because Covid is still out there infecting people and for those who are at risk it is still very serious.
"People need to understand that there is still a risk out there and I think certain places, like hospitals, should be implementing restrictions as strictly as they can in order to make sure that people are safe and the virus is not able to spread easily.
"My partner is already in a vulnerable position and now they are going to be isolated for days with Covid and I am losing valuable time with them when I could be by their side."
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed the Covid outbreak on the Neurosurgery Ward and said that it is doing all that it can to ensure the safety of patients.
The Trust has also said that it is following all Department of Health guidelines associated with Covid.
A spokesperson said: "Belfast Trust is currently managing a Covid outbreak in the Neurosurgery Ward at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
"All patients who have tested positive are in isolation rooms or have been transferred to other COVID positive wards.
"Belfast Trust continues to follow Department of Health guidelines associated with COVID-19. We also follow all advice and guidance from the Trust’s Infection Prevention and Control Team in relation to screening and the management of COVID positive patients."
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