Northern Ireland's Health Minister Robin Swann says more than 70% of the adult population in the region have received the first dose of their Covid-19 vaccination.
He said over 40% are now fully vaccinated. Mr Swann also announced that in order to maintain the programme's momentum, he plans to announce its extension to the 18 to 24-year-old age group "in the very near future". "Alongside vaccination, contact tracing, testing and self-isolation following a positive test remain the cornerstones of our ongoing public health response," he said. "I would again appeal to the public to work with us and keep playing their part in preventing the spread of the virus. "That's how we keep each other safe and protect the hard-won progress we have