HEALTH minister Robin Swann has warned of the potential for a further surge in Covid cases.
He said the vaccination programme offered the hope of "better times ahead" with "more freedoms and more normality", but urged people not to be "reckless" at this stage of the pandemic.
The Department of Health yesterday announced another 139 Covid cases in the north, but no new deaths.
Mr Swann said there is "so much work to do, both in terms of combating the virus and repairing the great damage it has caused".
"Rebuilding health services post-pandemic is a top priority of mine, particularly the need to address the backlog in operations and other treatments.
"The potential for a further surge in Covid-19 cases, however, represents the single biggest threat to that crucial rebuilding.
"That's a major reason why we need to be cautious now.
"As I have stressed before, the best way to protect non-Covid care is to stop the virus spreading."
He urged people to spend the Easter period "sensibly and respectfully".
"Remember that indoor mixing is still out of bounds, for very good reason.
"While limited outdoor interactions are permitted, social distancing and common sense remain vital."
Yesterday morning there were 154 Covid-positive inpatients in hospital, including 14 in ICU wards.
Mr Swann said the pandemic had highlighted the "serious fragilities" in the region's health service, particularly in terms of staffing.
"It's no secret that our health and care system was already under immense pressure pre-Covid," he said.
"Ten years of financial stringency had undoubtedly taken their toll.
"Northern Ireland is by no means unique in that regard. However, our system has been particularly fragile and strained for several years in comparison to neighbouring jurisdictions. Just look at our waiting-time statistics.
"...The fragilities in our system underline the particular need for caution in Northern Ireland, as we emerge from lockdown.
"Our health and care services have had the toughest of years. They still need our protection now.
"We do that by doing all we can to keep Covid infection rates down in the days, weeks and months ahead."
Meanwhile, chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride has announced the easing of safety advice to those considered clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV).
Since December 26, CEV people have been advised to take additional steps to protect themselves from Covid, including not to attend a workplace if they are unable to work from home.
Dr McBride said there would be a graduated easing of the advice from April 12.
He said if people could not work from home they could go back to the workplace, as long as appropriate safety measures were in place.
