Coronavirus: 12 more deaths in Northern Ireland

Another 12 people have died in Northern Ireland after contracting coronavirus, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has said.

It means the total number of people who have died from Covid 19 here stands at 48.

The PHA says a further 130 people have tested positive positive for the virus in the past 24 hours bringing the total number of cases to 904.

It said 626 tests have been carried out for the virus since Thursday afternoon.

Meanwhile, in the Republic another 22 patients diagnosed with Covid-19 have died, bringing the overall death toll to 120, the country's Health and Service Executive said.

The latest figures show another 424 cases of coronavirus had been diagnosed in the country, bringing the number of confirmed cases to4,273.

Of the 22 further deaths recorded, half were male and half female.

The virus has hit the east of the country hardest.

The median age of those admitted to hospital intensive care units was 63.

In Northern Ireland, the area with the highest number of positive cases is in Belfast where 272 have been reported, the Public Health Agency said.

The Coastway Coast and Glens has 21 reported cases - the fewest in Northern Ireland.

The amount of positive covid 19 cases in each local government area. Credit: Public Health Agency

The PHA daily bulletin on covid-19 cases also revealed that more women have contracted the virus.

It said 441 males had so far tested positive for covid 19 compared to 462 females being diagnosed.

The age group with the highest number of reported Covid 19 cases has been in the 45-69 category. Credit: Public Health Agency

Meanwhile, the Justice Minister has said that one hundred prisoners in Northern Ireland are set to be released over the coming days to ease pressure on the prison system.

Earlier this week, Naomi Long announced up to 200 prisoners could be given temporary early release because of the covid 19 pandemic.

On Friday, the department of justice said around 100 prisoners have so far met the criteria set out in the scheme and will have been released by Monday April 6.

The spokesman also said there have so far been no positive cases ofCovid-19 either among prison officers or the prisoner population in Northern Ireland.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know