THE coronavirus death toll in Northern Ireland has passed the 1,000 mark with 15 new fatalities announced yesterday.
The total number of deaths linked to Covid-19 now stands at 1,011, according to the Department of Health.
Department officials collate hospital deaths after a patient has tested positive for the virus.
There were 391 new positive cases also confirmed yesterday.
A total of 419 patients were being treated in hospital, with 38 in ICU. There are currently 128 care homes with active outbreaks.
The highest number of new cases were reported in Mid and East Antrim with 71, followed by Derry and Strabane with 57 and Mid Ulster with 40.
Health Minister Robin Swann said the death toll was a "harsh reminder" of the threat posed by the virus.
"We always have to remember that we are not talking about statistics but much-loved people who are desperately missed," he said.
"No one should underestimate the virus, or delude themselves that it could never affect them."
Mr Swann also launched an attack on 'Covid deniers'.
"I am very aware that there is still a small and vociferous minority who seek to play down the Coronavirus risks. This includes those who spout conspiracy theories on social media and those who think Northern Ireland could somehow have breezed through all this without adopting restrictions that were widely deployed elsewhere.
"To anyone trying to minimise the impact, I say please think again."
In the Republic, a further 18 further coronavirus deaths were confirmed - the majority of which occurred in November.
As the south emerged from its 'level 5' restrictions yesterday, a further 269 new cases of the virus were confirmed, bringing the total number of cases to 72,798.
A total of 2,069 Covid-related deaths have been recorded in the south.
