Ten further coronavirus-related deaths have been reported in Northern Ireland on Friday.
The death toll from the Department of Health now stands at 2,493.
Nine fatalities are said to have occurred during the current reporting period and one outside of it.
A further 1,239 positive Covid cases have also been recorded in NI today.
This brings the total number of positive cases to 224,315 since the start of the pandemic, according to the Department of Health.
Over the past seven days, the Department said 8,662 individuals have tested positive in Northern Ireland.
According to figures released on Friday, there are currently 419 Covid-19 confirmed patients in hospital and 38 in intensive care.
Meanwhile, the annual flu vaccination programme in Northern Ireland has been expanded.
The Department of Health said this has been done to protect the vulnerable and to help ease Covid-19 pressures.
The programme is to be extended to cover all secondary school children from years 8 to year 12.
Those aged 50 to 64 will also be eligible to receive the jab again this year.
The vaccination programme officially begins on October 1 however it is expected that GPs will commence vaccinations later this month once they have received their initial orders.
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