Coronavirus: Spike of 15 COVID-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland but only 26 test positive for virus in 24 hours

The latest statistics released by the Department of Health revealed nine people had died after testing positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours however an additional six patients who died outside the same time frame were also included as their death was reported in the last 24 hours.

One of the most positive pieces of information contained in Friday's daily report was the revelation that only 26 new patients tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours taking the total to 4,317.

Upwards of 100 new patients were testing positive for COVID-19 on a daily basis two and three weeks ago.

The latest statistics from DoH came amidst the announcement that Northern Ireland will begin to take its first step towards exiting from the Coronavirus lockdown on Monday.

The First Minister, Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill announced their decision to ease some of the restrictions surrounding garden centres, recycling centres and marriage ceremonies involving someone who is suffering from a terminal illness can also go ahead from next week.

“After eight weeks of lockdown, today’s [Thursday] announcement amounts to, we accept, very tentative first steps towards recovery," said Mrs. Foster.

"As we cautiously chart our way towards something approaching normality, we will need you to continue to work in partnership with us - and with the medical and scientific experts who advise us - to allow us to guide you on when it is safe to resume certain activities.

"Our road-map will only succeed if everyone is patient, if you respect the advice of experts, if you continue to show discipline and compliance and if you maintain the collective will that has so far enabled us to escape the worst ravages of Covid-19.

"We have come a long way in following that advice and I am asking you to continue to do that," added the DUP leader.

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