No further COVID19 related deaths in Northern Ireland

By Q Radio News

No further COVID19 related deaths have been confirmed in Northern Ireland. 

It means the total number fatalities recorded by the Department of Health remains at 2,154. 

However, another 81 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the past 24 hours.

On Tuesday morning there were 15 confirmed Covid-19 inpatients in hospital, none of whom were in intensive care.

It comes as people are urged to holiday at home this year and not travel abroad unless absolutely necessary. 

Hopes of a summer trip overseas were dashed as the environment secretary told Sky News his advice to the British public "would be holiday at home", adding that he himself will not be travelling abroad this summer.

George Eustice encouraged people to visit the "great places" that exist in the UK instead.

He added that people must be aware of the "risks" in travelling outside of the UK at present, demonstrated by holiday hotspot Portugal being removed from the government's green list last week.

"I will be staying at home. I have no intention of travelling or going on a holiday abroad this summer," he said.

"Some people may, but they have to understand that there are obviously risks in doing so because it is a dynamic situation.

"But I think most people will probably decide this year to stay at home, holiday at home."

Asked whether he is advising people to stay in the UK, Mr Eustice added: "I think, my advice to people would be holiday at home.

"We've got some great places here, there aren't many places that are on that list.

"But obviously some people will want to travel abroad. There are still a small number of countries on that green list. If they want to do that they can, but obviously they will have to understand there are risks in doing so as well."

But Downing Street did not rule out the prime minister taking a foreign holiday this summer.

Asked whether Boris Johnson will be heading abroad amid debate over travel restrictions, his official spokesman said: "We wouldn't speculate on the PM's plans and will set out any details in the normal manner."

Official government guidance states that ministers "continue to advise against all non-essential travel to some countries and territories" - but not all.

The government's website adds: "The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect international travel.

"No travel is risk-free, and many countries have closed their borders or restricted entry to UK travellers.

"Any country may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant."