LAST UPDATE | 9 Oct 2020

NORTHERN IRELAND’S DEPUTY First Minister Michelle O’Neill is self-isolating after a family member tested positive for the virus.

A Sinn Féin spokesperson confirmed that O’Neill will be tested for the virus after contact with a family member who has tested positive.

“Michelle will continue to follow the public health advice and carry out her duties in government remotely,” they added.

Speaking today, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald wished O’Neill and her family well. “I was sick with this virus, it is not one I would wish on anybody, so we wish them well,” she said.

McDonald described the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland as “dangerous and grave”, saying there “will have to be an intervention” and financial support from London.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke about the issue over the phone yesterday, with the Taoiseach urging Johnson to provide financial assistance.

1,080 further cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Northern Ireland over the past 24 hours – a record high.

There have been 5,272 new cases of the virus reported in the North in the last week, bringing the total number of cases confirmed to 18,190.

No new deaths were recorded today, with the death toll remaining at 587.