CORONAVIRUS LATEST: Northern Ireland death toll reaches 48

By Q Radio news

A further 12 people have died from Coronavirus in Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours taking the total number of deaths to 48.

The Public Health Agency says 130 new cases have been identified taking the total number of those with the disease to 904

The Deputy First Minister says the executive IS united on tackling coronavirus - but that she'll continue to make her OWN views known - after criticising the Health Minister.

Michelle O'Neill accused Robin Swann of being 'too slow' when it comes to testing for COVID-19 - and providing frontline staff with personal protective equipment.

Following the comments, First Minister Arlene Foster gave Minister Swann her  backing. 

She said he has made progress under immense pressure and intoduced a number of measures including dedicated COVID centres and Belfast's nightingale hospital.

Meanwhile in the Republic of Ireland almost 90% of those dying with coronavirus are aged 65 and above, official data in Ireland shows.

Two deaths have been recorded amongst patients aged between 25 and 34.

Out of 3,282 laboratory confirmed cases, 91 have died, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre said.

A total of 160 clusters of infection have been identified. Dublin has recorded more than half the total of cases.

Community transmission was responsible for a quarter of instances.

Meanwhile, a surge in cases of Covid-19 is expected to happen "quickly and strongly" over the next two weeks, an emergency medicine doctor said.

Dr Emily O'Connor, president of the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, said evidence in the UK suggested many people "will get seriously ill, quickly, and at the same time" and that may be when hospitals struggle.