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Another 616 people in Northern Ireland have tested positive for Covid-19, according to the latest figures released by the Department of Health.
No more deaths have been recorded.
The total number of virus cases in Northern Ireland now stands at 14,960, while the death toll stands at 584.
It comes as Northern Ireland’s political leaders plan to speak with the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister today about the next steps in the battle against the virus.
Prime Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill have chaired a meeting of the Stormont Executive on the issue, discussing what Health Minister Robin Swann described as “additional planned interventions.”
The meeting considered the impact of the stricter restrictions introduced in Derry and Strabane, the area currently with the highest infection rate on the island of Ireland, last Thursday.
There is no indication yet that the Executive is planning an immediate so-called “circuit breaker lockout” in Northern Ireland.
Finance is a key factor as thousands of companies and employees would have to be compensated if much more severe restrictions are introduced.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week that he would provide the necessary financial resources if tougher restrictions are imposed, but did not elaborate.
Stormont Finance Minister Conor Murphy sent a letter this morning to the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer requesting a meeting to discuss financial assistance.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Murphy confirmed that he is seeking an “urgent meeting” with Rishi Sunak to discuss additional funding.
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He was asked if the Stormont Executive will seek to coordinate the new Covid-19 restrictions with the Irish government.
“Today there will be a conversation,” Murphy said.
“My understanding is that Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers are trying to talk to the Taoiseach today and to the British Prime Minister, so obviously, for the measures to be effective, the more synchronization there is on these islands, the better.”
Any notion of a circuit breaker only works if you are on the other side of the island of Ireland
– Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) October 4, 2020
Prime Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill previously confirmed that they were seeking talks with Micheal Martin and Boris Johnson.
In a tweet, Michelle O’Neill said that any circuit breaker “only works if it’s on the other side of the island from Ireland.”
Arlene Foster has repeatedly said that there must be a consistent and coordinated approach across the UK.
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