Health Minister Robin Swann has repeated his plea for more people to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
The Minister was commenting after the NI Covid-19 dashboard recorded another 11 deaths.
He stated: “The ongoing loss of life to this virus is heartbreaking and my thoughts are very much with the families and friends of those who have died.
“Vaccination remains our best defence against Covid-19. I would again urge people who have not yet got their vaccine do so without delay. The battle against Covid is far from over – today’s figures underline that.
“It is also vital that we remember the basics and keep following public health advice.
“Please do all that you can not to spread infection. Social distancing, face covering and hand washing all have a role to play. Avoid busy and cramped indoor settings where ventilation is poor. And if you have Covid symptoms, self isolate and book a PCR test.”
The Minister added: “I would also encourage people to listen to the compelling testimonies of individuals who have become seriously ill from Covid and regretted not getting vaccinated.”
A ‘Big Jab Weekend’ has been announced for this Saturday and Sunday, to give people even more opportunities to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
This will see Northern Ireland’s mass vaccination centres once again offering walk-in first jabs for all adult age groups.
That’s as well as ongoing vaccinations at walk-in pop-up clinics across Northern Ireland, and by appointment at participating community pharmacies.