CORONAVIRUS is thought to been responsible for more than 2,000 additional deaths in the north over nine months last year.
The NI Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) said there were 1,958 'excess deaths' from March 1 to December 31 – 15 per cent above expected levels.
The figure roughly corresponds with the 1,903 Covid-19 related deaths over the same period.
Three-quarters of the excess deaths were people aged 75 and over.
The data was published as it emerged that three more people have died with Covid in the north, while another 163 tested positive.
A total of 244 patients were in hospital yesterday, with 29 in intensive care.
The seven-day incidence rate of Covid infections has now dropped below 70 per 100,000 people for the first time since September.
In the Republic, incidence of Covid-19 is continuing to improve but "at a slower rate", the chief of Health Service Executive said.
Paul Reid said positive signs of the impact of vaccinations for older people were beginning to emerge.
"Of the new cases notified over the past two weeks, 478 cases had the most likely transmission source of a healthcare setting," he said.
"That is down from over 1,050 cases in the previous two weeks."
Another 39 deaths were reported yesterday and 462 new infections.
There were 460 Covid patients in hospital, 107 receiving intensive care.
It emerged more than 200 households have had an outbreak linked to a cluster among students.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn also said: "We have been made aware of four preliminary reports of stillbirths potentially associated with a condition called Covid placentitis.
"These reports should be interpreted with caution as the coroners have not yet concluded their findings.
"The HSEs National Women and Infants Programme is aware of and is monitoring the situation and has issued a related notice to obstetric departments.
"I would ask that the privacy of all of those affected by this disease continue to be respected at all times."
