Three more Covid related deaths in Northern Ireland and over 200 new cases

By Q Radio News & PA

Another 3 people have died in Northern Ireland after contracting Covid19. 

It brings the total number of deaths recorded by the Department of Health to 2,029. 

A further 276 new coronavirus cases have also been confirmed since yesterday.

It comes as the head of the Catholic Church says people should be able to gather safely to mark Easter in Ireland.

Archbishop Eamon Martin has also urged the Taoiseach to consider increasing the number of bereaved allowed to attend funerals during the pandemic. 

Micheal Martin said his concerns will be given consideration.

The Taoiseach met a group of bishops on Friday to discuss the church’s desire to return to worship during the season of Lent.

The Taoiseach’s office said: “They shared their concern that life at present is particularly stressful and difficult for people to endure, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

“Recognising the spiritual comfort and hope that participation in public worship brings, the archbishops asked that public worship resume when an easing of restrictions is considered.

“They expressed a strong desire that people might gather safely this year for the important ceremonies of Holy Week and Easter.

“They also requested consideration of an increase in the number of the bereaved who may attend funeral Masses.”

The archbishops emphasised they wish to continue supporting the public health message and to encourage all necessary measures, including vaccination, to protect health and wellbeing, especially that of the most vulnerable.

The Taoiseach acknowledged the importance of the Church community in people’s lives at such time of stress and worry.

However he revealed ministers will not consider reopening hospitality until the middle of the summer.

Mr Martin expressed concern about uncertainties surrounding new variants of coronavirus and high numbers of infections.

“We don’t foresee that (reopening pubs etc) before the middle of the summer," he said. 

“What the public health authorities are saying is that we stick with this until end of April, then we reflect on the situation and make decisions about the months ahead.”

He also told RTE that reopening the country will be a slow process.

Three cases of the potentially more infectious Brazilian mutation have been detected in Ireland.