LISTEN: Nine new deaths in Northern Ireland from Coronavirus

By Q Radio News team and PA

Nine people who tested positive for Coronavirus have died in the last 24 hours in Northern Ireland.

That is according to the daily update from the Public Health Agency, bringing its total for the region to 338. 

BREAKING: 9 more deaths reported from Coronavirus in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of deaths to 338 pic.twitter.com/1pmnoZjcoK

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 29, 2020

The latest figures released by the Department of Health show there are 30 patients being treated in intensive care units for confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, around 819 patients are currently being treated for the virus, with 3,346 people having already been discharged from hospital.

In the daily press briefing, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots said the virus has "robbed us" of things that bring joy, like visiting families, seeing loved ones...

Edwin Poots

He also said that the agri-food sector employed 100,000 people.

"A 10% contraction in agriculture is 10,000 jobs, it is as simple as that."

He added: "It would be absolutely shameful if agriculture did not get support to get through to the other side of Covid-19 and remade that vibrant industry that existed before all of this happened."

"Just because you are at the back of the queue does not mean that your needs are any less."

Mr Poots said the red meat industry had been hit by the lockdown, with the closure of restaurants meaning less demand for higher end cuts of meat.

The milk industry has also suffered because people are not drinking milky coffees in cafes.

Also speaking at the press conference, Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey said that 34,000 food parcels that have been distributed to those in need:

Deirdre Hargey

The Minister went on to provide an update on the social security support being provided:

In relation to social security, she added: That is unheard of. There is a huge demand. People are struggling financially, through loss of income or no income at all and they are going towards the social security system."

Edwin Poots also said angling or church services could be reopened as part of a "graduated" unwinding of the Coronavirus restrictions.

"We can keep people with us by having a graduated response to it and ensuring that we do not put at risk or in jeopardy any further rise in this coronavirus or indeed a second wave of it whilst giving people a little more latitude to engage in some of the activities that they prefer to engage in."

"These are all questions that we as an Executive have to look at.

"We need to look at whether to permit angling, given that it is a solitary sport that people engage in.

"They walk down to the side of a river, they do that on their own. Where there is little impact those are the things that we can graduate to."