Two deaths related to Covid-19 + post-primary transfer tests put back to 2021

Dear reader,

Northern Ireland has endured its worst Covid-19 related day in some time, with two deaths related to the virus having been recorded.

The Department of Health said that one of the deaths had occurred in the last 24 hours, with another person having died in a different time period.

It was also revealed that three people here with Covid-19 are being treated in intensive care units. The number of newly diagnosed cases is 71 with 463 having tested positive over the last seven days.

There was relief for many on the exams front as it was revealed in court that post-primary tests in Northern Ireland are to be put back until January.

The further postponements were agreed following discussions with the education minister, Peter Weir. The development brought an end to legal challenges mounted by the parents of two children due to sit the tests.

Meanwhile, a funeral service has been held for a terminally ill woman who was able to marry in Co Down at the height of lockdown after a relaxation of restrictions.

Samantha Gamble passed away at the weekend, around three months after she married Frankie Byrne in a ceremony at her home. First minister Arlene Foster had tweeted her sadness at Samatha’s death earlier this week.

Take care.

Alistair Bushe,

Editor

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