There has been a big increase in new Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland with 1,566 positive tests confirmed in the past 24 hours.
There have also been 14 more coronavirus-related deaths with 13 of these occurring during past 24 hours. A total of 1,305 people have died in the North with the disease while the cumulative number of infections now stands at 68,762.
Yesterday, the Department of Health in Northern Ireland reported a further 20 coronavirus-related deaths for the previous 48 hour period with 1,634 people tested positive.
Northern Ireland also entered a new six-week lockdown on 26 December, and the first week measures are the toughest yet, with a form of curfew in operation from 8pm, shops closed from that time and all indoor and