Another five people have died in Northern Ireland after contracting Covid-19, the Department of Health has confirmed.
It brings the total death toll recorded by the deparmtent since the pandemic began to 2,041.
There were 225 new cases confirmed in the past 24 hours.
Hospitals continue to face high demand for services. Latest figures show 99 per cent of hospital beds are occupied with four hospitals operating beyond capacity.
There are 376 patients in hospitals who have tested positive for the virus, with 48 in ICU, 39 of whom are on ventilators.
The average seven day infection rate for Northern Ireland is 102.5 - the lowest figure since September 29.
The area with the highest rate is Mid Ulster at 159.3 while Fermanagh and Omagh is the lowest at 41.9.
This afternoon it was confirmed that three cases of the South African variant of Covid-19 have been detected in Northern Ireland.
It is the first time this variant has been detected in the north.
Health Minister Robin Swann said confirmation of the variant highlighted the need for "continuing caution in relation to Covid-19".
The department has this afternoon said that 499,206 vaccines have now been administered, of which 468,129 were first doses and 31,077 were second doses.
