The number of Covid-19 deaths in Northern Ireland has surpassed 1,000.
Fifteen more deaths have been reported by the Department of Health today, bringing the total number of fatalities to 1,011.
391 new cases of the virus have been confirmed in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, including 57 in Derry City/Strabane.
Reacting to today’s figures, Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann said: “We always have to remember that we are not talking about statistics but much-loved people who are desperately missed,” the Minister said.
“My profound sympathies go to every bereaved family.”
The Minister continued: “This is another harsh reminder of the threat posed by Covid-19. No one should underestimate the virus, or delude themselves that it could never affect them.
“I am very aware that there is still a small and vociferous minority who seek to play down the Coronavirus risks. This includes those who spout conspiracy theories on social media and those who think Northern Ireland could somehow have breezed through all this without adopting restrictions that were widely deployed elsewhere.
“To anyone trying to minimise the impact, I say please think again.”