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Thirty four new Covid cases in 24 hours as restrictions set to be tightened on Thursday

Coronavirus Social distancing

There have been 34 new Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours, according to the Department of Health.

There have been no deaths, meaning the total number remains at 559.

The total number of cases stands at 6,505.

Despite a slight drop from the previous day’s total of 41 positive cases, the Health Minister Robin Swann said he will be recommending Covid-19 restrictions to the executive in a bid to slow down the spread of the disease.

At present, Northern Ireland currently has the highest incidence of cases per head of population in the UK.

Some of the restrictions mooted include reducing the number of people who can meet in a household.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Naomi Long has today confirmed jury trials will restart “for the first time since lockdown”.

Mrs Long said: “Jury trials are one of the cornerstones of our justice system and it is a hugely significant step that we are now in a position to accommodate them again.

“At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions, it was logistically impossible to hold jury trials.

“I recognise this will have been hugely frustrating and distressing for those who have been awaiting the outcome of cases.”

“Everything possible has been done to get jury trials up and running in the safest and most efficient way possible.”

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