Ten more people die with Covid-19 in Northern Ireland but new cases significantly down

The Department of Health on Saturday also confirmed that another 357 cases of the virus had been recorded within the last 24-hour reporting period.

The number of cases represents a significant drop from recent weeks which saw 1,031 recorded in one day just over a month ago on October 17.

However, hospitals remain under pressure, with 428 Covid-19 confirmed inpatients across Northern Ireland on Saturday, 41 of which were in intensive care and 31 were on ventilators.

Meanwhile, there were 143 active outbreaks of the virus in care homes.

Northern Ireland is preparing for two weeks of beefed up coronavirus restrictions from next Friday that will see non-essential retail outlets added to a closure list that already includes much of the hospitality sector.

The strict clampdown is close to the severity of March’s lockdown with the exception that schools will remain open.

However, despite highlighting the need for tough measures to prevent the health service being overwhelmed, the Stormont Executive allowed several relaxations that were agreed last week to go ahead on Friday, with coffee shops and close-contact services such as hairdressers reopening.