Four more coronavirus deaths and 187 new cases recorded in NI in past 24 hours

By Q Radio News

A further four coronavirus deaths have been recorded in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.

This brings the total death toll to 2,036 since the pandemic began.

There have also been a further 187 positive cases confirmed in the past 24 hours from 1,077 individuals tested.

COVID-19 UPDATE

📍4 Covid related deaths in NI in past 24 hours

📍The death toll now stands at 2,036

📍187 new cases from 1,077 individuals tested in past 24 hours pic.twitter.com/RNzl5CEjvO

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 22, 2021

As well as this, there are currently 386 confirmed coronavirus patients being treated in local hospitals here.

51 people are also currently being treated in intensive care units in NI.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that the SSE Arena in Belfast will be used as a vaccination centre for Northern Ireland's adult population.

It will open in April as a facility for those 60 and under, not already vaccinated through the health trust or GP programmes.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “The mass vaccination centre at the SSE Arena signals yet another significant step forward in the rollout of the vaccination programme across Northern Ireland.

“The programme is continuing at pace and we are likely to begin vaccinating priority group 7, followed quickly by all other priority groups, starting in early April.

“This will see everyone aged 60 and under being offered the vaccine – a monumental next step in a population-wide vaccination programme.”

In addition to the SSE Arena, trusts will continue to operate large vaccination centres across Northern Ireland, with GPs running local vaccination clinics.

Access will then be opened further with community pharmacies providing vaccinations on the high street.