Stormont executive to meet to discuss further coronavirus measures for NI

by Q RadIo News

The Stormont Executive will meet this evening to discuss possible further coronavirus restrictions for Northern Ireland. 

It's due to get underway after the First and Deputy First Minister's take part in a four nations call with Cabinet Minister Michael Gove at 5pm. 

We will be speaking with HMG at 5pm regarding a Coronavirus response across the four nations. There will be an Executive meeting at 6pm immediately afterwards.

— Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@DUPleader) January 4, 2021

Northern Ireland was placed under a six week lockdown on 26th December. 

All non-essential retail has been closed and people are being urged to stay at home. 

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson  is expected to announce new emergency coronavirus restrictions for England later following "rapidly escalating" numbers of cases. 

Number Ten says the statement at 8pm will set out "further steps" to stop the rise of Covid-19 infections. 

Meanwhile, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced a new national lockdown there. 

The measures start at midnight and will see schools closed until at least February.

A further 1,801 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland within the last 24 hours.

Department of Health data also recorded a further 12 deaths of people who had previously tested positive for the virus.

Hospitals in the region remain under pressure with a 99% occupancy rate recorded.