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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Nadia Breen

Covid NI: No further deaths and 627 coronavirus cases reported

The Department of Health has recorded no further coronavirus-related deaths.

The death toll from the DoH remains at 2,156, according to figures released on Thursday.

Today's dashboard also reports a further 627 positive cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of positive cases to 130,814 since the start of the pandemic.

Over the past seven days, the Department said 3,257 individuals have tested positive in Northern Ireland.

There are currently 48 Covid-19 confirmed patients in hospital and three in intensive care.

Meanwhile, the indicative date believed to be proposed for the reopening of theatres and indoor seated venues in NI is July 26, according to reports.

This will require entry by tickets being bought beforehand and the BBC has also reported that this indicative date may allow:

  • The return of conferences and exhibitions
  • Live music indoors with no restrictions on sound levels
  • The return of dancing
  • Close contact services to operate without having to book an appointment
  • Ten people from two households being allowed to meet indoors in a private home
  • 15 people from any number of households being able to meet in a private garden

This may also be the date for the potential removal of having to wear face masks in places of worship, making it guidance only and not a legal requirement.

Ministers are being asked to consider removing the requirement for students to wear face masks in classrooms, subject to public health conditions.

The plan on these coronavirus relaxations would need to be confirmed by Ministers on July 22.

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