NI leaders to join emergency meeting with UK’s Cobra committee - more schools close as COVID-19 cases increase

The first and deputy first ministers, along with the NI health minister, will take part in a meeting of the UK’s emergency Cobra committee later.
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The BBC are reporting that there are also plans to bring forward Thursday’s scheduled executive meeting as NI’s infection rates continue to spiral.

It has been suggested it could be brought forward to as early as Monday.

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Yesterday leaders in Northern Ireland spent Sunday locked in discussions with public health experts.

Arlene Foster, Michelle O’Neill and Health Minister Robin Swann were advised by the NI chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser.

The news comes as increasing numbers of NI schools ask pupils to stay at home for a deep clean - after COVID-19 cases are reported,

Thornhill College in Londonderry has told parents it will be closed to pupils this week - and teaching will be delivered online.

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They said the decision was taken by the Board of Governors after increasing cases of coronavirus in the area.

Health Minister Robin SwannHealth Minister Robin Swann
Health Minister Robin Swann

Yesterday and Department of Health dashboard reported there were 1,066 new cases and one further death.

It is Northern Ireland’s second-highest daily number of reported cases, after 1,080 positive cases were recorded on Friday.

There are now 137 inpatients with Covid-19 in Northern Ireland’s hospitals, 19 of whom are in intensive care.

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