Dr John Moriarty, CESI Fellow and Public Engagement Lead, has recently been interviewed for BBC News about the socio-economic inequalities present in deaths from COVID-19 throughout Northern Ireland. 

Figures from NISRA have indicated that parts of East and West Belfast (BT4 and BT13 postcode areas) have been disproportionately affected by deaths from the pandemic and Dr Moriarty has suggested that inequalities play their role.

“The geographical distribution of Covid-19 deaths in Northern Ireland is further evidence that the burden of this infection is falling disproportionately on those most deprived.

Figures released previously suggested that the virus itself may have been widespread in both the most deprived and most affluent areas.

"This may have been linked to more international travel undertaken earlier in the year for both business and pleasure by those in wealthier areas.

"Alternatively, it may have been because of greater awareness of the need to be tested.

"However, what is clear is that infection in well-off areas isn't causing as many people to go to hospital or to die.

"But the most obvious explanation for the higher deaths from Covid-19 in deprived areas is the level of underlying ill-health which existed in those areas prior to the pandemic."

For the full BBC news story, please click here.