Northern Ireland has reported 1,217 new cases of Covid-19 in the past 24 hours.
This is the highest ever daily increase for the region and the highest recorded on the island of Ireland.
Four further deaths of Covid-19 patients have been reported by the NI Department of Health – two in the last 24 hours.
222 of the new cases were detected in the Derry/Strabane region, where the incidence rate has shot up to 970 per 100,000 people over the last seven days.
Belfast accounts for 287 of the new cases.
Due to the continuing rise in COVID-19 cases, Altnagelvin Hospital has closed to visitors from today, Wednesday, until further notice. Visiting will only be permitted under very special circumstances.
The Northern Ireland Executive today announced new ‘circuit breaker’ restrictions in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19.
Schools will close for two weeks from Monday, while bars and restaurants will close for four weeks. Hospitality businesses will be limited to takeaway and delivery services only from Friday.