Four further coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland on Thursday.
The death toll from the Department of Health now stands at 2,579.
Three fatalities are said to have occurred during the current reporting period and one outside of it.
A further 1,305 positive Covid cases have also been recorded in NI today.
This brings the total number of positive cases to 246,156 since the start of the pandemic, according to the Department of Health.
Over the past seven days, the Department said 8,018 individuals have tested positive in Northern Ireland.
According to figures released on Thursday, there are currently 359 Covid-19 confirmed patients in hospital and 33 in intensive care.
Meanwhile, the NI Executive is meeting on Thursday to discuss possible changes to current coronavirus restrictions.
Stormont ministers will discuss social distancing in hospitality venues and the mandatory wearing of face coverings.
The Executive is looking towards October 14 as a "significant date" when some Covid-19 rules could be eased in Northern Ireland, First Minister Paul Givan has previously said.
The issue of vaccine passports is also likely to be raised again at Thursday's meeting.
Colin Neill, CEO of Hospitality Ulster says the Executive needs to make a decision now.
He said: "We cannot continue with no plan and no help for the hundreds of businesses and thousands of staff that are desperate to know their fate," he said.
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