There have been 424 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Northern Ireland in the last 24-hour reporting period, the Department of Health has announced.
A further coronavirus-linked death has been reported to the department, although it did not occur within the last day. The death toll recorded by the department now stands at 579.
The number of new cases is a new record for Northern Ireland, which reported 320 positive tests yesterday. The Stormont Assembly has heard that the increase in Covid-19 cases was of serious concern.
First Minister, Arlene Foster, said that if the number of cases are not stopped, then it would inevitably lead to an increase in hospital admissions and deaths.