HEALTH minister Robin Swann has urged people to remain on high alert against Covid-19 after the first recorded death in almost a month.
His department's 'data dashboard' also reported 76 new cases since Friday, with the number of people testing positive over the past seven days standing at 165.
Mr Swann said it was very distressing news and underlined once again the threat posed.
"I urge everyone across Northern Ireland to do everything they can to keep themselves and others safe. We all have to remain on high alert," he said.
"There are practical and vital steps we can each take – including maintaining social distancing, washing our hands and wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces like shops.
"The Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer have warned against complacency – and I would call on everyone to heed that warning. We have a duty to protect those in our community who are most vulnerable to this virus."
No new Covid-19 related deaths were reported in the Republic yesterday.
As of midnight on Sunday, the health system had been notified of 57 more confirmed cases.
However, figures released by the European Centre for Disease Control revealed that Ireland's incidence of cases per 100,000 people over the past 14 days is now higher than in the UK - 16.9 compared to 16.5.
The increase reflects a spike in cases over the past week.
Localised restrictions in Kildare, Laois and Offaly were announced on Friday and are in place for at least two weeks.
Residents are only allowed to travel outside their counties in limited circumstances, while restaurants and pubs serving food have been closed.
A Co Offaly meat factory impacted by an outbreak also suspended production amid tightened coronavirus restrictions in the Midlands.
Carroll Cuisine has become the fourth affected plant to close operations in the three-county area.
Meanwhile, the Bellevue Arms on Belfast's Antrim Road temporarily shut last night as a precaution after a family member of one of its staff tested positive for Covid-19.
The venue, which is taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, had been fully booked on Monday.
In a statement, it said while the staff member had tested negative and it had not been advised to close by the Public Health Agency, "we feel we have a duty of care to both our staff and patrons to ensure the environment we are providing is as safe as possible".
"Therefore, we will regrettably be closing with immediate affect to allow a thorough deep clean of the premises to take place. This will be taking place this evening and we plan to re-open Tuesday 11th August at 4pm. This is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our staff and patrons and we have not been advised to close."
