No new Covid related deaths in Northern Ireland, but almost 100 new cases

By Q Radio News

No further COVID-19 related deaths have occurred in Northern Ireland. 

It means the total recorded by the Department of Health remains at 2,146. 

However another 99 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed since yesterday.

Meanwhile, with the UK vaccine rollout going so well and daily deaths dwindling to single figures, the challenge now is how to future-proof our shield against the virus - and prevent the need for another lockdown.

England's Chief Medical Officer has been signalling since the start of the year that booster doses are likely to be given to the vulnerable in the autumn.

And Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News: "We want them to be able, if they need to, from September onwards to boost those that are most vulnerable".

That looks increasingly certain, probably for everyone over 50 - they are the most likely to suffer severe disease if their immunity against the virus wanes.

And once again the oldest are likely to be at the front of the queue, just as they were in the spring as their immunity from a vaccine tends to be lower and less durable.