One more Covid related death and over 300 new cases

By Q Radio News

One person has died in Northern Ireland after contracting COVID19. 

It brings the total number of deaths now recorded by the Department of Health to  2,156. 

Another 339 new coronavirus cases have also been confirmed here in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile residents in Kilkeel and Omagh are being encouraged to take regular rapid coronavirus tests even if they do not have symptoms. 

It follows the discovery of the Delta variant in those areas and is part of the Public Health Agency’s attempt to reduce the spread. 

It’s hoped the targeted intervention will identify as many positive cases as possible. 

Cases continue to be identified in the Killeel, Omagh and neighbouring areas, and the public in those areas are now encouraged to undertake regular testing for COVID-19 using rapid Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs).

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “As society reopens and the Delta variant becomes dominant, it was inevitable that we would see a rise case numbers. However, we are not powerless and it is important we continue to do what we can to limit the spread.

“The testing interventions that have been put in place have been effective in helping us identify cases. However, it is clear that transmission rates are remaining high in some areas so these additional measures are important.''