A person under 40 has died in Northern Ireland after contracting Coronavirus.
The tragic death is the second in the 20-39 age bracket recorded by the Department of Health since the pandemic began.
New statistics suggest that the person passed away in the latest 24 hour period.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I want to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the person who has tragically passed away.
“This upsetting news serves as a stark reminder that this virus has not gone away.
“We continue to see increasing numbers of positive cases across Northern Ireland and whilst that is not unexpected the number of close contacts linked to positive cases has more than doubled since July."
“This rise may be attributed to the easing of lockdown measures, but may also be explained by relaxing of attitudes to social distancing,” he added.
“We cannot become complacent because this virus continues to circulate and sadly continues to have devastating consequences for families.
“Today my Department has reported 74 new positive cases and sadly one further death.”
The latest DoH stats show that 558 people have been lost to the virus across Northern Ireland while a total of 6,299 have tested positive - with 242 in the past week.
Minister Swann added: “The weather has been very kind this week and with good weather comes more people out and about, on our streets, in our shops and on our beaches.
“I implore everyone to stick with it. Keep your distance, wash your hands, wear your mask and do not let this virus take a hold in our society. These measures, while simplistic, are essential to winning the battle.”
