Northern Ireland

Coronavirus: One more death and six new cases in Northern Ireland

Another patient has died after contracting Covid-19
Another patient has died after contracting Covid-19 Another patient has died after contracting Covid-19

There has been another death related to Covid-19 in Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours, according to figures released by the Department of Health.

It brings the total number of deaths so far in the north to  551.

Six more people tested positive for the virus bringing the total number of cases to 5,757.

There are currently confirmed Covid-19 outbreaks in 33 care homes. Another 16 have suspected outbreaks while 124 outbreaks have been closed.

No Covid-19 patients were being treated in intensive care units in the north today.

Yesterday was the first time since daily figures were produced that ICU treatment figures dropped to zero.

Today's figures were released after Professor Philip Nolan, chairman of the Republic of Ireland's NPHET Irish epidemiological modelling advisory group, said people should question whether they need to take a foreign holiday this year due to the risk of a resurgence of the virus.

He tweeted: “New travel-related Covid-19 infections a grave concern. A surge seeded by travel is a risk to public health, to healthcare workers, to the vulnerable in our community. We can protect them by foregoing our holiday abroad. A useful question for any activity: luxury or necessity?”