There have been two further Covid-related deaths reported by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland today (Monday).
According to the official dashboard, both occurred outside the current 24 hour reporting time.
The overall total number of deaths recorded by the Department now stands at 2,077.
Of those overall deaths, the ABC Borough accounts for 279; Newry, Mourne and Down District at 163; and Mid-Ulster with 195.
There were a further 144 positive cases reported in the last 24 hours, with 13 in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon. There was a further nine in Newry, Mourne and Down and 20 in Mid-Ulster.
A total of 1,050 individuals were tested.
There are 220 – seven less than yesterday – people now in hospital as a result of the virus, 35 of whom are in intensive care units.
There are currently 60 people in hospitals in the Southern Trust area – 27 in Craigavon and 26 in Lurgan – being treated for Covid-19.
There are currently 22 ICU beds available in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile, Education Minister Peter Weir says two additional days will be set aside for teachers to work on centre assessments for GCSEs, A Levels and other qualifications.
The two days will be known as Qualification Procedure Days 2021 and will available to all post-primary schools, special schools and EOTAS centres with pupils taking qualifications in 2021.
They will be additional to the School Development Days currently available and schools will be able to use these days flexibly at any time prior to 30 June 2021. Schools will be closed to pupils on these days.
Mr Weir said: “Due to the dedication and professionalism of our teaching staff, young people across Northern Ireland will be able to obtain the qualifications they require to progress to the next stage of education, employment or training despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
“School leaders and teachers are central to the qualification awarding process. In recognition of the additional planning and administration that will be required for teachers to provide Centre Determined Grades, I have decided to set aside two days to support the process.”
