LIVE UPDATES: Coronavirus NI - Massive Covid-19 spike in ROI as almost 8,000 new infections and 17 deaths in 24 hours - ‘Ludicrous’ that transfer test may proceed while GCSEs and A-levels cancelled - ‘In the name of God, go’ - Mike Nesbitt quotes Oliver Cromwell and calls for Education Minister Peter Weir to resign

By Andrew Quinn

Deputy Group Live Editor

Published 6th Jan 2021, 11:50 GMT

Updated 6th Jan 2021, 18:47 GMT

There is widespread concern on both sides of the border this evening after the Republic of Ireland recorded a massive spike in Covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours.

Please scroll down for more on this story.

Paramedics and ambulances at the Mater Hospital in Dublin as the head of the Health Service Executive Paul Reid has said the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 has surpassed the peak of the first wave.

placeholder image — Paramedics and ambulances at the Mater Hospital in Dublin as the head of the Health Service Executive Paul Reid has said the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 has surpassed the peak of the first wave.

Peter Weir Mike Nesbitt GCSEs Oliver Cromwell

News you can trust since 1737

© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Terms and Conditions Privacy notice