Two deaths and 1,031 new cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Northern Ireland

This afternoon MORE 1,031 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Northern Ireland.

Additionally, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has confirmed two new deaths in the last 24 hours in its latest update.

A total of 26,208 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland since the virus outbreak earlier this year.

Of the new cases confirmed today, 275 were in Belfast and 172 in Derry City and Strabane.

There are currently 27 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the ICU in Northern Ireland and 79 active outbreaks in residences.

Northern Ireland has hit a new daily record more than once this week, with 1,217 new cases confirmed on Wednesday and 1,299 new cases confirmed yesterday.

Schools in Northern Ireland will close for two weeks until November 2 in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus.

Additionally, pubs and restaurants have been closed for four weeks, except for take-out and delivery services.

The measures are in response to an increase in Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland in recent weeks.

Across the border, Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal have all been subjected to Level 4 restrictions in response to a high rate of Covid-19 cases.