Two further Covid19 related deaths in Northern Ireland

By Q Radio News

There have been two further deaths linked to Covid-19 in Northern Ireland in the past 48 hours. 

An additional 89 positive cases have also been confirmed.

It brings the death toll recorded by the Department of Health to 2,116. 

Meanwhile Boris Johnson is set to announce plans for COVID passports, overseas travel and whether the next step out of lockdown will happen in England next week.

The prime minister will hold a 5pm news conference today after he chairs a virtual meeting of the COVID-19 Operations (COVID O) committee, which formulates and advises Mr Johnson on coronavirus policy.

He will brief the full cabinet on the arrangements for the latest phase of lockdown lifting ahead of the news conference.

The second step of the roadmap out of lockdown is meant to start on 12 April and will see non-essential shops, hairdressers and beauty salons reopen.

Outdoor hospitality can also reopen, with the rule of six or a larger group from two households, and self-catering holidays in the UK with your own household allowed.

As part of the roadmap, there is a minimum of five weeks in between each step - four weeks for the scientific data to reflect the changes and to be analysed, followed by a week's notice of which restrictions will be eased.

Mr Johnson will announce a system for "COVID-status certification" which could allow people to return to sporting fixtures, theatres and other public events.