AFFLUENT areas of Northern Ireland have more coronavirus cases than deprived neighbourhoods, Stormont's health minister has said.
Robin Swann said research by the Public Health Agency (PHA) suggested a "small increase" when compared to less well-off areas.
The reverse has been found in Britain, with people in more deprived areas disproportionately affected by coronavirus.
Mr Swann told the assembly's health committee: "The Public Health Agency has done a bit of research into our own prevalence of cases here in Northern Ireland and they published that last week.
"One of the indicators I would like to bring out is in regards to deprivation category.
"I think what was actually saw across the rest of GB [Great Britain] was a high prevalence in the more deprived areas.
"Actually what we're seeing in Northern Ireland would be a prevalence towards the least deprived areas.
"So the more affluent areas of Northern Ireland are seemed to have a small increase compared to other areas in regards to those positive cases."
Earlier this week a report by Public Health England found that people living in deprived areas were at greater risk of dying with coronavirus. It also found a greater risk of death from Covid-19 for ethnic minorities.
The report showed that age remains the biggest risk factor, with the elderly accounting for the majority of coronavirus-related deaths.