NORTHERN Ireland is seeing "improvements across all indicators" of Covid-19, with politicians and health chiefs hailing a second day of no deaths.
First Minister Arlene Foster said the `R' rate has fallen to between 0.75 and 0.95, with care home outbreaks in single figures and hospital admissions now at 54, compared to 79 a week ago.
Fourteen people with Covid-19 remain in intensive care.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said yesterday's figures are a "welcome sign we are continuing to move in the right direction".
The falling infection rates came as the north's Covid-19 vaccination programme passed three landmarks in a single day.
The total number of vaccines administered has pushed past 800,000, sitting at 808,241, while the number of first doses provided passed 700,000 and is now 703,334.
The total of second doses has moved beyond 100,000 to reach 104,907.
Health Minister Robin Swann said the "immense work being done to deliver the vaccination programme is giving everyone in Northern Ireland hope and optimism for the future".
"More landmarks will be reached next week when we open the SSE Arena vaccination centre and community pharmacists begin administering vaccines."
The head of the vaccination programme Patricia Donnelly said appointments are still available and, for those who are eligible "the best time to book is certainly now".
She warned that as the programme is extended to lower age groups it will increase pressure for appointment slots.
Southern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed it will provide more than 1,300 vaccines per day from this weekend, from its previous efforts of 1,000 daily.
Director of Organisational Development, Vivienne Toal said "we are fine from a supply point of view"
However, deputy director, Dr Damien Gormley said he fears increased vaccination "will probably also impact people's behaviour and it may reduce their compliance with the guidance.
"There is no doubt the news is very good but we may, as time goes on, see new variants that might challenge the vaccine and we need to ensure people don't let their guard down too much."
He said "it cannot be understated that is a hugely important part of our armour in this fight but it not the only thing".
The Executive has agreed to the gradual re-opening of programmes to support children and young people who may be facing disadvantage, such as SureStart and youth services.
Ms Foster said it is part of an "ongoing commitment to support the emotional health and wellbeing of our children and young people".
Education Minister Peter Weir said the three-stage return of youth services is aimed at preventing "social exclusion or isolation", with `statutory and voluntary youth work settings' to open under the same restrictions as schools on group sizes, social distancing, face coverings and hand washing.
He said he prioritised Sure Start and the Pathway Fund because "it is clear that (pandemic) pressures are having greatest impact where disadvantage already exists".
"There is no doubt that the current restrictions are having a negative impact on many young people.
"Issues such as growing mental health problems, increased drug taking and anti-social behaviour are of great concern.
"My proposal is to take the first steps in a phased and carefully managed reopening of youth services."
