Another 18 people die after contracting Covid19 in NI with over 1,300 new cases

By PA

An additional 18 deaths with Covid-19 have been reported in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health said.

Another 1,378 people have tested positive.

There are a total of 577 Covid-confirmed inpatients.

The number of hospital beds occupied has increased to 542.

The intensive care unit tally is 45.

It comes after the private companies which run post-primary transfer tests in Northern Ireland announced they will not provide assessments this year.

The first AQE test had been due to take place on Saturday.

A spokesperson told the BBC the tests would not take place in January due to the public health situation, adding they will now consult with the 34 grammar schools who use their tests on a way forward.

PPTC has also announced that it “will not provide an entrance assessment for 2020-21”.

In a statement on its website, AQE said: “The board of AQE Limited met on 5th January 2021, and in light of the decision to close schools, has decided not to proceed with the tests planned for 9th, 16th and 23rd January 2021.

“The board will now be consulting with member schools, and a further statement will be issued after that.”