No new NI coronavirus deaths for second day in a row

No new deaths were recorded.

No new coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded in Northern Ireland for a second day in a row.

The Health Department’s total, which mainly covers hospital deaths, still stands at 537.

A total of six new positive tests were recorded, bringing the total number of positive tests as of Monday to 4,802.

There have also been no new deaths in Scotland for a second day.

Across the whole of the UK, the number of fatalities recorded was 55, which is the lowest since March.

It comes as new lockdown-easing measures came into effect in Northern Ireland, including allowing those who are shielding to spend time outside.

The measures were given the go ahead by the Executive last Thursday, after the Covid-19 infection rate remained below 1.

First Minister Arlene Foster said saving lives remains a priority, but the focus of ministers is "turning to livelihoods".

She was speaking during the Executive's daily briefing on coronavirus.

"The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on our economy and wider society," said Ms Foster.

"The longer people are removed from the labour market, the greater the risk of long-term scarring on our economy and wider society.

"We need to take action to help the economy recover and this will be gradual and in stages."

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the news of a second day without any deaths was a "positive situation".

However, she added that they remain "cautious, careful and vigilant in the time ahead after the hard struggle which has been a hard struggle for everyone".

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