Northern Ireland

Coronavirus: 40 new cases recorded in Northern Ireland but no deaths over weekend

<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; ">There have been 40 new Covid-19 cases recorded in the north</span>
There have been 40 new Covid-19 cases recorded in the north There have been 40 new Covid-19 cases recorded in the north

There have been 40 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland since Friday, according to figures released by the Department of Health. 

It brings the total number of positive cases to 5,988.

There have been no new Covid-19-related deaths, with the death toll remaining at 556.

Two patients with coronavirus are being treated in intensive care and one is on a ventilator.

There are five confirmed Covid-19 outbreaks in the north's care homes with a further six suspected outbreaks.

On Friday, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) released statistics showing that the number of coronavirus deaths registered in a week has risen for the first time since mid-June.

Seven people died from the disease in the week ending July 24, according to the Nisra figures.

The previous week saw two deaths reported.

Nisra records all deaths where Covid-19 is mentioned on a death certificate.

Daily death figures released by the Department of Health mainly cover coronavirus fatalities in hospital.

Nisra's figures are substantially higher than those released by the department, with a disparity of almost 300 deaths.

Nisra has recorded 854 coronavirus deaths.

Last week a mobile phone app for tracking and tracing coronavirus in Northern Ireland was downloaded more than 79,000 times in its first 24 hours.

The StopCovid NI app was officially launched on Friday.

A new TV advertisement and public information campaign will be rolled out to encourage people to download it.

The app informs people if they have been in close contact with other users who have tested positive for Covid-19.

Stormont health minister Robin Swann described the early uptake as "really encouraging".