Another six Covid-19 related deaths and almost 500 new cases

By Q Radio News

Another 6 people have died in Northern Ireland after contracting Covid-19. 

It brings the death toll recorded by the Department of Health to 1,135.

A further 486 positive coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the past 24 hours.

It comes as politicians are urged to urgently rethink plans to relax the rules over Christmas with some of Northern Ireland's hospitals struggling to cope with "unprecedented pressures".

Some experts are warning that the New Year could see up to 10 times as many people in hospitals.

The Chief Executives of the six Health and Social Care Trusts have issued a stark warning about unbearable pressures across the system in Northern Ireland, in the event of a probable further #COVID19 spike in early January.

Read more: https://t.co/ewWUHtbPMw pic.twitter.com/KmRqsOCNru

— Northern Trust (@NHSCTrust) December 14, 2020

Yesterday the regional chair of the BMA said tougher restrictions will be needed to bring Covid-19 numbers down.

The first minister has already confirmed the executive will discuss imposing new measures before the end of December.

In a new Tweet posted today the Northern Trust again warned that Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital are both under "unprecedented pressure". 

"If you require urgent care, do not attend our ED," it states. 

"Use Phone First - call 0300 1231 123 or use the Interpreter Now app.

"You will be advised of the most appropriate service. If your condition is life threatening dial 999."