LATEST: Covid-19 death toll in NI rises to 422

by Q Radio News and PA reporter

Four more people have died in Northern Ireland as a result of coronavirus, bringing the total to 422. 

According to the Department of Health's dashboard, two of those deaths occurred in the last 24 hours, while the two others happened prior to that but are only being reported now. 

It also highlights that to date, 3,984 positive covid-19 cases have been confirmed in the region. 

Belfast remains the area with the most covid-19 related deaths, 128 having died there in total. 

The dashboard also provided details on bed capacity in Northern Ireland's hospitals. 

Out of the region's 3,417 beds, 2,459 are occupied. 

Meanwhile, out of 104 ICU beds, 70 are occupied with 26 being treated for covid-19.

Northern Ireland to remain in lockdown

Stormont first minister Arlene Foster said the Executive had decided not to make any alterations to the social distancing regulations.

"We still believe that they are needed and are proportionate to deal with the threat of the spread of the virus."

First Minister @DUPleader opens press conference saying NI's roadmap to recovery "remains a work in progress". It won't be published today bur work will continue over the next few days. pic.twitter.com/3zFjmZUAPO

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 7, 2020

The reproductive rate of the virus stands at 0.8 but the first minister said that was still too high.

However, next week the Stormont Executive will consider "minor" adjustments to the restrictions.

Ministers had calls with Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis and Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday, and will take part in a Cobra meeting on Sunday.

Arlene Foster said use of face covering in enclosed spaces where social distancing was not possible had been considered.

She said specialist scientific advice from Sage had concluded "on balance" to recommend use of the coverings in those circumstances.

Deputy First Minister @moneillsf says they reviewed all lockdown restrictions keeping scientific advice in mind - and says "we're not in a position" to relax restrictions yet but will review it again in 3 weeks. pic.twitter.com/Ph0DSps2tX

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 7, 2020

Regulations

Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster said each devolved region of the UK had its own coronavirus regulations and reviewed them regularly.

FM @DUPleader says the message is clear in NI, people must stay at home.
She also believes the Prime Minister @BorisJohnson won't be moving away from this message and believes media in England may have exaggerated the possibility of easing restrictions soon.

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 7, 2020

She said: "I don't think the Prime Minister was moving dramatically away from that stay at home message, that is certainly what I got from him on our call today.

"Some of the London press have maybe exaggerated what is coming on Sunday.

"I get the sense that they know that there is a need to continue to suppress the virus right across the UK and I think that is what the Prime Minister was saying."