NI to see consequences of Christm as decisions ‘this week and next’

Good morning
Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride has this morning issued a stark warning when he said we have not reached the peak of the crisis in the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. This comes after a Health Trust put out an SOS appeal for off duty staff to return to work as two NI hospitals became inundated with patients.
Our health care workers are coming under increased pressure as it was revealed that nurses from across NI’s health trusts will be expected to work in Belfast’s Nightingale Hospital regardless of where they are usually based.
Adam Kula reports that there has been a massive collapse in the number of people falling seriously ill with seasonal flu – something which causes a regular spike in deaths each winter. Back in October, this was foretold by virus expert Ultan Power of Queen’s University Belfast.
Sam McBride writes: Just a week into the Irish sea border, Northern Ireland is one storm or boat breakdown away from a critical break in its supply chain to the rest of the UK. You can read his full piece here.
Have a good day and keep safe.
Michael Cousins
Deputy digital editor

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