Five more Covid-related deaths and almost 900 new cases

By Q Radio News

Another five people have died in Northern Ireland after contracting COVID19. 

It brings the total number of fatalities recorded by the Department of Health here to 2,199. 

A further 872 people have tested positive for the infection in the past 24 hours. 

On Monday there were 202 Covid-19 positive patients in hospital, of whom 34 were in intensive care.

On Saturday Health Minister Robin Swann said the ongoing fatalities provided a “stark reminder” of the impact of the pandemic.

“It will only be through continued vigilance and a collective effort that we can protect ourselves and those we care for,” he said.

Meanwhile, almost 300 fraudulent Covid-19 passport claims have been rejected in Northern Ireland.

The figure emerged after the region’s vaccine certification system was dogged with technical difficulties last week.

It was partially suspended on Tuesday after issues with data sharing emerged.

The new CovidCertNI app enables users to show proof of vaccination for international travel.

Dr Eddie O’Neill, who leads the programme, said on Monday that it is now “stable and running well”.