Northern Ireland

Three deaths and 3,231 new Covid-19 cases - highest number of daily cases reported in NI

Omicron is expected to be confirmed as the dominant variant of Covid-19 in the north in the coming days
Omicron is expected to be confirmed as the dominant variant of Covid-19 in the north in the coming days Omicron is expected to be confirmed as the dominant variant of Covid-19 in the north in the coming days

Three further patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 have died in Northern Ireland.

Another 3,231 cases of the virus were also notified by the department of health on Wednesday.

It is the highest number of daily cases reported in Northern Ireland since the pandemic started.

It includes cases confirmed from samples taken in recent days, not necessarily just in the latest 24-hour reporting period.

On Wednesday morning, there were 261 Covid-positive patients in hospital, compared to 268 yesterday. There are 34 in intensive care, the same number as yesterday. 

Northern Ireland's seven day infection rate is now sitting at 846.3 per 100,000 - a record high.