Eleven more people die after testing positive for Coronavirus in Northern Ireland

The Department of Health also reported 649 new cases of the virus, in a statement on Saturday evening.

It brings the total number of deaths linked to the virus to 708 people.

There are currently 346 patients with Covid-19 being treated in hospital, including 48 patients in intensive care.

Despite Boris Johnson announcing a new lockdown for England, First Minister Arlene Foster said this would not apply to Northern Ireland.

She tweeted that she had a useful call with Cainet Minister Michael Gove on Saturday.

“NI schools will reopen on Monday and our current restrictions will end on 13 November as planned,” she said.

“We must adapt to coexist with the virus. That means increasing hospital & testing capacity.”

Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill tweeted: “New restrictions announced by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson do not apply to the North.

“Current restrictions remain in place & will be reviewed by 13th November. Our focus must be following guidelines & minimising spread of this virus. Together we can & we will overcome.”

On Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new measures for the whole of England which are to come into force from Thursday.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and non-essential retail will close until December 2 and people will be told to stay at home unless they have a specific reason to leave, but schools, colleges and nurseries will remain open.

People will be allowed outside to exercise and socialise in public spaces outside with their household or one other person, but not indoors or in private gardens, and will be able to travel to work if they cannot work from home.

In Northern Ireland pubs and restaurants were closed for four weeks starting on October 16 with the exception of takeaways and deliveries. Schools were closed for two weeks.

Retail outlets remain open, along with gyms for individual training.

People have been told they should work from home unless unable to do so, and have been urged not to take unnecessary journeys.