Northern Ireland

Coronavirus: Two further deaths and 163 new cases confirmed in Northern Ireland

Another two people have died after testing positive for Covid-19
Another two people have died after testing positive for Covid-19 Another two people have died after testing positive for Covid-19

There have been two further deaths linked to Covid-19 reported by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland.

The total death toll according to departmental figures is now 575.

There have also been a further 163 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the last 24-hour reporting period.

This brings the total number of cases in the north to 8,943, including 763 in the last seven days.

In the north's hospitals, 33 patients have tested positive for Covid-19, with four in intensive care and three on ventilation.

There are 27 confirmed outbreaks in care homes and 11 suspected outbreaks.

The figures were released after the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) this morning said 887 deaths in the north have been linked to Covid-19.

Nisra's figures are based on patients having previously tested positive for the virus, whereas the Nisra figures are based on the information entered on death certificates, completed by medical professionals.

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan has this afternoon confirmed he has tested positive for Covid-19.

He said he has closed his constituency office as a precaution and will self-isolate.

"While in isolation, I'll continue to work for the people of West Tyrone to the best of my ability and to spread awareness about the impact of this virus," he said.