Northern Ireland sees highest daily increase in Covid-19 deaths

Very sad news.

A further 18 people in the north have died in connection with Covid-19 in the past 24 hours. This is three times the increase in deaths compared to the figures released on Wednesday. There has also been an increase of 113 cases in the north, meaning that a total of 2,201 cases have now been confirmed. This comes the day after it was announced that Northern Ireland's coronavirus lockdown is to be extended for three more weeks. The news was announced by First Minister Arlene Foster, who said the decision was made following a meeting on Wednesday. She said the regulations will be reviewed in the coming weeks but said "it’s right and it’s appropriate." An update on figures in the Republic of Ireland is expected this evening, which will see Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, in attendance.