THE number of new Covid-19 cases in the north is starting to spiral with 48 people testing positive in the past 24 hours.
Health Minister Robin Swann expressed his concern at the increasing number.
The `data dashboard' yesterday reported 48 new cases and 194 positive tests over the past seven days.
There is now an average of more than 27 new positive cases per day compared to approximately three per day a few weeks ago.
Mr Swann said nine people had been admitted to hospital, two of which were currently in ICU.
"This highlights the continuing threat from Covid-19 and we must all do everything within our power to tackle this," he said.
"Contact tracing remains key to tackling Covid-19 and I congratulate the team who are working hard to track and trace those who have been in contact with positive cases. The StopCOVID NI app is also fundamental in this fight. Since going live I am heartened that there have been over 230,000 downloads however I am urging everyone to share the app with friends and family who have not yet got it. The more people that have it, the more effective it will be.
"The threat has not gone away and our HSC system still needs our support. I therefore make no apology for once again urging everyone to remain vigilant."
In the past few days, several sporting clubs and venues in west Belfast have been affected.
Newhill Football Club revealed one of its senior players and coaches had been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
"Although no one in the club has tested positive, we are taking extra precautionary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our players, coaches, family member and community by ceasing all club activity for 14 days from August 11-25," the club said.
"All relevant personnel have booked tests, and are being tested at the next available appointments. We are doing this to guarantee the protection of our club and those involved in it, as well as those who have been in contact."
Gort na Móna CLG said one of its players had tested positive.
"As such the club will be closed for the next fortnight, with a view to reopening on Wednesday 26th August subject to a health and safety review. No training, matches or other activities in any code will take place in the meantime," the club said.
"The club remains committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all players and members, and the wider community at this time and we are grateful for compliance and support."
The Sliabh Dubh Bar also closed for a deep clean after one of its customers tested positive on Sunday evening.
In the Republic, meanwhile, the government has begun drawing up a fresh plan to chart the country through coronavirus challenges into next year.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin outlined the intent as he confirmed that meat plants and direct provision centres nationwide will now be subject to weekly Covid-19 testing.
An upsurge in cases that triggered localised restrictions in Kildare, Offaly and Laois have been linked to outbreaks among staff at meat processing sites and people living in direct provision accommodation.
The new coronavirus plan will outline how the state will respond to further localised spikes or a second wave.
There, the National Public Health Emergency Team announced that an additional 35 cases of Covid-19 had been confirmed, and that one person died.
