Northern Ireland

Coronavirus: Four further deaths in Northern Ireland, with 56 more positive cases diagnosed

A further four people have died  in Northern Ireland after testing positive for Covid-19.

This daily figure brings the death toll to 430.

There were 56 more positive cases diagnosed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4,078.

From May 7 to May 8, 1,453 lab tests were carried out on 1, 058 people.

To date, there have been 76 confirmed outbreaks in care homes across Northern Ireland.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce the next steps in the UK’s lockdown plan in a much-anticipated speech on Sunday.

But devolved governments in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have power to make their own decisions on a number of matters, including health and schools.

First Minister Arlene Foster has said there might be “nuanced changes” to be made to lockdown rules, giving the example of going out more for exercise in the open air.

Any “minor” adjustments are due to be announced next week.

At an executive meeting on Thursday, the coalition administration agreed to issue advice to people in Northern Ireland to wear face coverings in enclosed spaces where they encounter challenges with social distancing.