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Two more Covid deaths and 1,031 cases reported in last 24 hours

Covid testing Armagh

There have been two further Covid-related deaths reported by the Department of Health today (Saturday).

Those deaths occurred in the last 24 hours, according to the official dashboard, which has the overall total now at 610.

There were a further 1,031 cases reported in that timeframe, with 98 in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, and a further 82 in Newry, Mourne and Down.

A total of 4,686 individuals were tested.

There are 231 people now in hospital – up 18 more from yesterday – as a result of the virus, 27 of whom are in intensive care units.

Fifty-four patients are in the Southern Trust area. To date, 392 patients have been discharged.

Meanwhile, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has commended Glenavon and Portadown fans for the preparations they have made to have a safe Mid Ulster Derby at Mourneview Park today.

The Irish League is deemed an elite league and under current NI Executive regulations fans are permitted to attend, provided social distancing and other measures are adhered to.

The DUP MP said: “This confusion entirely rests with a Sports Minister who issued a last minute letter to governing bodies regarding spectators.

“The regulations do not ban spectators in the grounds of elite sports. The rules remain unchanged and permit a restricted number to attend in keeping with social distancing measures.

“Football fans have been starved of the ability to support their team over many months and all were accepting of the reasons for this. Now they can look forward to the first league derby at Mourneview with Portadown in a number of years.

“Spectators can attend but should come early so as to queue in a manner which allows social distancing and allows the staff at Glenavon, who have worked tirelessly getting the required measures in place, to get everyone into the ground safely.

“I will be there as a liaison today and can easily be contacted should anyone face any difficulties.”

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