Northern Ireland has today promised an extra £50million from the UK government to tackle coronavirus.
This brings the total allocated to NI in the fight against the killer virus to £1.2billion.
Brandon Lewis MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said: " From the outset of this coronavirus crisis, the UK government has committed to doing whatever it takes to support the devolved administrations in their fight to defeat this virus.
"The additional £50 million for the Northern Ireland Executive announced today will help bolster vital public services as they respond to the challenges of coronavirus.
"Today's funding, in addition to the support offered to people and businesses across Northern Ireland through UK-wide initiatives, reinforces our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Northern Ireland is able to access the resources and support they need at this incredibly challenging time."
The total number who have now died from the virus in Northern Ireland's hospitals has reached 193. Deaths in the community are thought to almost a third more again.
While 2,486 have now tested positive for the contagion in the region.
The Royal College of Nursing in NI has also claimed half of nurses "felt pressure" to do their work "without the levels of protection set out in official guidance".
Pat Cullen, Director of the RCN in Northern Ireland said: "We all know that nursing staff have been under enormous pressure during this pandemic, however it is shocking to find that nurses are feeling pressurised to work without the protection they need.
"This is an anxious and worrying time for staff, and they must have the reassurance that they can do their jobs with all of the equipment necessary. Time and time again we have been on record as saying this, and it is disappointing to find that there are still problems."
Staff can raise their concerns through email at Covid-19PPE.queries@health-ni.gov.uk.
