There have been 12 further Covid-related deaths reported by the Department of Health today (Thursday).
Ten of these occurred in the last 24 hours and two outside that time – according to the official dashboard – which has the overall total now at 901.
Three of those deaths occurred in the ABC borough.
There were a further 487 cases reported in that timeframe, with 93 in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon – the highest in Northern Ireland – and a further 16 in Newry, Mourne and Down.
A total of 3134 individuals were tested.
There are 456 people now in hospital – that’s four more than Wednesday – as a result of the virus, 41 of whom are in intensive care units – three less than yesterday. There are currently 31 ICU beds available in NI.
Sixty-three patients are in Craigavon today – three less than yesterday. To date, 553 patients have been discharged from the Co. Armagh hospital.
There are 13 – no change – Covid patients in Daisy Hill in Newry and a further 12 – no change – in Lurgan Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Stormont Executive are today meeting to consider further restrictions.
Health Minister Robin Swann is set to table a number of options for further restrictions.
The paper being put before members alludes to – according to the BBC – further interventions in late November, otherwise a full lockdown in mid-December would not prevent the health service being overrun at Christmas and into the New Year.
Close contact services, cafes and coffee shops that don’t serve alcohol are due to reopen their doors on Friday, while bars and restaurants are set to reopen on November 27 – as things stand.
