There have been two further Covid-related deaths reported in Northern Ireland today (Friday).
The total number of deaths now stands at 2,918 – 25 of which occurred in the last seven days.
The ABC Borough accounts for 397 fatalities. There have been 214 in the NMD district, while Mid Ulster accounts for 273.
There have been a further 1,806 positive cases recorded from 6,061 people tested in the last 24 hours, according to the Department of Health’s latest daily dashboard update. There have been 12,153 positive cases in the last seven days.
There were 202 positive cases in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon. There were 267 cases in Newry, Mourne and Down – the second highest in NI – while Mid-Ulster recorded 121. Belfast – the highest in NI – recorded 287 positive cases.
There are 317 patients in hospitals across Northern Ireland as a result of the virus, 40 of whom are in intensive care units.
A total of 203 Covid patients have been discharged in the last seven days while there have been 161 admissions during the same period.
Currently, there are 99 Covid patients in the Southern Trust area, 59 of whom are in Craigavon Area Hospital.
There are 11 ICU beds available across Northern Ireland.
Hospital occupancy in Northern Ireland currently stands at 105%.
Meanwhile, the Stormont draft budget for the next three years is proposing to prioritise the health department with a 10% budget increase, however, it will come at the expense of all other departments.
It is understood the majority of the Executive voted to put the plan out to public consultation from next week but the DUP voted against it.
Sinn Féin Finance minister has prioritised funding to tackle waiting lists, transform our health service and support healthcare workers
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) December 10, 2021
