The Department of Health has reported a further 11 deaths related to coronavirus.
New figures released on Thursday afternoon show the death toll in Northern Ireland to stand at 1,322.
On the Department's dashboard, 1,929 new cases of the virus were recorded over the last 24 hours.
The number of individuals who have tested positive for the virus since the beginning of the pandemic is now 72,834.
And 34 coronavirus patients are currently in ICU.
Meanwhile, on Thursday morning, the Education Minister announced changes to local school opening dates.
Peter Weir said the proposed way forward has been "informed by the evidence and the advice provided".
The changes are:
- Primary school pupils will be taught remotely until 11 January, after which they will attend school for face to face teaching.
- Post-primary pupils will also be taught remotely during the first week of January.
- From Monday 11 January pupils in years 8 to 11 will continue to be taught remotely until the end of January while pupils in years 12 to 14 will attend school for face-to-face teaching;
- Childcare settings including those attached to schools, pre-school facilities, nurseries and special schools to be open as usual;
- Exams due to take place in January will be facilitated compliant with public health guidance and schools will have flexibility to deliver face-to-face teaching to pupils due to sit those exams, should they wish to do so;
- Schools will accommodate vulnerable children and the children of key workers from the start of term.
