Coronavirus: Two further deaths and 109 new cases recorded in Northern Ireland

Two more people have died in Northern Ireland after contracting Covid-19, the Department of Health has said.

It brings the total number of deaths recorded by the department to 570.

There were 109 new cases of coronavirus detected in the last 24 hours.

It means there have been 556 positive cases in the past week and 8,423 since the pandemic began.

In the north's hospitals, 25 patients have tested positive for coronavirus. Two are in intensive care and one has been ventilated.

There are 24 outbreaks in care homes and a further eight suspected outbreaks.

The figures were released as new restrictions to help curb the spread of the virus today came into effect in some areas of the north.

Those living in affected areas are not allowed to invite people they do not live with into their homes.