Three members of the same family have passed away from Covid in the past two week.
A healthcare workers from west Belfast passed away on Wednesday, November 11, after contracting coronavirus.
Prior to this, his mother and father died on October 29 and November 1 respectively after being diagnosed with the virus.
The man, who was in his 50s, worked at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital. The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust remembered him as “a valued member of our team, but more importantly, he was our friend.”
“[He] was a larger than life figure with a heart of gold who made an instant and lasting impression on everyone he met," read a statement.
"We all shared many laughs and good times with [him] and we hope these memories can provide some comfort to everyone in the days and weeks ahead.”
SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly offered her condolences to the family. She told
"I cannot begin to imagine how the surviving members of the family come to terms with it and I do hope and pray that they get the help and support that they need," she said.
Kelly also appealed to the executive to "take account of the families who are suffering, who have suffered, those that are in hospital and the staff who are trying their best to actually keep people safe and to save their lives."
Northern Ireland's Department of Health reported 15 additional deaths due to Covid and 548 new cases yesterday.
The government has since voted to extend restrictions after a four-week "circuit-breaker" lockdown.
Arlene Foster said: "This past four days, days I certainly didn't seek, the choice became a quick but wrong decision.
"You know sometimes compromise doesn't come easy, and it has to be fought for to secure it."
