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Coronavirus: Northern Ireland announces 726 new Covid-19 cases

News imagePA Media A healthcare worker wearing PPE at a hospitalPA Media
Northern Ireland has recorded its second-highest daily total of coronavirus cases

A further 726 cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland have been announced by the Department of Health.

It is the second-highest number of daily cases in Northern Ireland, following the high of 934 on Friday.

There has also been one further death recorded in the past 24 hours, and the total number of hospital inpatients is 65.

The total number of Covid-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland now stands at 583.

In the Irish Republic, there have been 10 more deaths reported in the past day, bringing the death toll there to 1,810.

Eight of the 10 deaths reported occurred before September 2020.

A further 613 new cases of coronavirus were recorded.

Across Northern Ireland, the figures show there are nine intensive care beds occupied by Covid-19 patients.

The infection rate in Derry City and Strabane has increased to 478.5 per 100,000 of the population.

Multiple winter lockdowns

The Stormont executive announced new restrictions for the Derry City and Strabane Council area on Thursday in an effort to stem spiralling infection numbers.

They include hospitality businesses being limited to takeaway, delivery and outdoor dining, and a call to avoid unnecessary travel.

News imagePA Media Prof Ian YoungPA Media
Prof Young has said further localised measures cannot be ruled out

The huge rise in cases in the region in recent days prompted Stormont's chief scientific adviser to warn people in Northern Ireland on Friday that they should prepare for the potential of multiple winter lockdowns.

Professor Ian Young said it is not yet certain whether intensive periods of lockdown will be required to halt the spread of coronavirus, but it would be "sensible" for the public to plan on that basis.

Nightingale hospital

The rate in the Newry, Mourne and Down council area is up to 268.6 while Belfast has also risen to 192, and the area with the next highest prevalence is Mid Ulster at 171.5.

On Friday, Health Minister Robin Swann told BBC News NI he was "floored" by that day's figures.

"It is something we thought we would possibly have to do over the winter. It now looks like October is going to be our Covid winter," he said.

He said the rise in cases means Belfast's Nightingale hospital may need reactivated within weeks.