ANOTHER 58 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health said.
No new deaths were reported, leaving the total of hospital fatalities as a result of the virus at 560.
However, the number recorded with Covid-19 on the death certificate stands at 871.
The daily department dashboard shows that 3,767 people have been tested for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours.
The total diagnosed with the virus now stands at 7,245.
Belfast has recorded the biggest number of cases in the past week, with 135 positive results, followed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon council area at 91 cases.
Two seriously ill patients are being treated in hospital intensive care units while a further 17 patients have also been admitted to hospital.
A further 53 Covid cases have been diagnosed in the Republic, the National Public Health Emergency Team has said.
No further deaths were reported.
Meanwhile, the lockdown in Co Kildare was yesterday lifted with immediate effect following more than three weeks of restrictions.
Public health measures were introduced in the county on August 7 following a spike. Residents were asked to stay within the county with limited exceptions such as travelling for work.
The move comes weeks after special restrictions in Laois and Offaly were lifted.
The National Public Health Emergency Team reviewed the epidemiological situation in Kildare and confirmed that it continues to improve and is now broadly similar to that across the state.
The Republic's health minister, Stephen Donnelly, said there is now a third county where early and targeted intervention has worked.
He told RTÉ the lifting of restrictions in Kildare is a great testament to work of people of the county.
In a statement, the government said: "The rolling five-day average in Kildare is 10.8 cases as of August 29. This compares to a five-day average of 22.2 cases in Kildare on August 6. 75 cases were notified in Kildare in the week to August 29.
"This compares to 238 cases notified in the week to August 8, 170 cases in the week to August 15, and 159 cases in the week to August 22.
"The number of cases attributable to community transmission or possible community transmission in Kildare over the past 14 days has been 36%.
"Nationally, the community transmission/possible community transmission rate also stands at 36%.
"As the epidemiological situation both nationally and in Kildare are broadly similar, there is no longer a rationale for a differentiated approach between Kildare and the rest of the country.
"The Government recognises the very significant impact of the measures on individuals, communities and businesses in Kildare over the past three weeks, and acknowledges that the improved situation has been due to the willingness of everyone to adhere to the public health guidance and measures implemented."
Several meat plants in the midlands saw outbreaks of Covid-19 earlier this summer.
