The figures for the number of people in Northern Ireland tested for Covid-19 during the same period differ between the Public Health Agency and the Department of Health.
So too do official statistics referring to the numbers of infections, tests and people whose tests have proved negative.
Only one figure, that relating to the number of deaths from Covid-19, tallies between the PHA and the DoH.
On Sunday the latest figures showed the following:
Patients tested
- DoH: 15,092
- PHA 16,490
Postive test results
- DoH : 2,599
- PHA : 2,645
Negative test results
- DoH : 12,475
- PHA : 13,773
Belfast Live asked for an explanation. A spokesperson for the Department of Health, explained: “There is clearly a difference in the figures reported by the Department and those reported by the PHA.
“This reflects their different purpose. Both sets of information count the number of individuals tested, however the information reported by the PHA will count additional Covid-19 tests for these individuals more than 14 days after the previous test, ie, if a person has more than 1 test and there is more than 14 days between these tests, both results will be included in the figures released by the PHA, whilst this individual will ONLY be counted once in the DoH figures.
“As a result of this different methodology the number of individuals tested, including those with current positive or indeterminate test results is lower than previously estimated. This will mean that the figures produced by the PHA and the Department will not agree, they could not because they are reported on a different basis.
“The methodology applied by the department ensures that those patients with an indeterminate test once they have been tested again and a clear outcome is determined then this is reflected in the latest statistic. This happens on an ongoing basis and as the figures are refreshed daily the number of indeterminate tests results will change. If this is not clear then we will set it out in an update to the notes within the dashboard.”
Health Minister Robin Swann said: "It is vitally important to keep the public well informed. That includes the publication of statistics as well as the all-important advice on how we keep ourselves and are loved ones safe."
