NI sees largest daily increase of Covid-19 cases

By Aine McMahon PA

Eleven new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, with the biggest single-day increase so far bringing the total number of infections to 45.

Northern Ireland's first community transmission cases were confirmed on Friday, with three of the nine cases confirmed on Saturday contracted in the same way.

40 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, bringing the total there to 169 with two deaths.

There are now more than 200 cases on the island of Ireland.

The NI Department of Health said people with mild symptoms - a new persistent cough and/or a fever - should stay at home and self-isolate for seven days. They will not require testing.

Meanwhile, elderly people in Northern Ireland will be asked to self-isolate for up to four months as part of UK-wide plans to tackle the spread of the coronavirus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said it is a "very big ask", but described it as a measure which is for their own "self-protection".

On Saturday, First Minister Arlene Foster said when schools eventually have to shut in Northern Ireland to help halt the spread of Covid-19, it will be for at least 16 weeks.

Deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill repeated her call for Northern Ireland schools to shut immediately, in line with the Republic of Ireland.