There have been four more Covid related deaths recorded in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours.
According to the Department of Health, a further 3,295 new positive cases have been recorded in the same time frame.
A total of 23,630 new cases have been recorded in the past seven days.
Following the four most recent deaths, the death toll in Northern Ireland now stands at 3,042.
The Belfast area has seen the largest increase in new cases over the past week with 4,108, followed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon with 3,010.
The Newry, Mourne and Down area has the hightest infection rate per 100,000 people in Northern Ireland at 1,551.7.
There are currently 395 inpatients in hospital infected with the virus, with 28 of these in intensive care.
The vaccine rollout also continues its momentum with 3,621,591 vaccines administered in total so far.
It comes as the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland has called for pregnant women to come forward for their jab.
Professor Sir Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer, said: “This new study provides more evidence that having Covid-19 during pregnancy carries a far higher risk than having the vaccine, particularly in the later stages where it can have serious consequences for both mother and baby.
“The message is clear. Covid-19 vaccination is crucial in protecting women and babies from the life-threatening complications that can be associated with the virus. Anyone who is pregnant and has not received all of their vaccinations, should not put off getting vaccinated until after their pregnancy.
“Omicron is continuing to spread throughout Northern Ireland, so if you are pregnant, or hoping to become pregnant it is absolutely vital that you get vaccinated, this includes getting the booster. Vaccination is the most effective way you can protect yourself and your unborn baby.”
