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Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill tests positive for Covid-19

PAcemaker Michelle O'NeillPAcemaker
Michelle O'Neill said she would remain in self-isolation

Northern Ireland's deputy first minister Michelle O'Neill has said she has tested positive for Covid-19.

The vice president of Sinn Féin tweeted that she would remain in self-isolation and hopes to return to her public duties next week.

A meeting of the Stormont Executive due to take place on Wednesday, to discuss the coronavirus restrictions, has been postponed until next week.

"I am thankful to have had two doses of the vaccine," Ms O'Neill said.

"Executive Office Minister Declan Kearney will take forward departmental business in the meantime."

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On Tuesday, the Irish Cabinet agreed on a plan that would effectively end most Covid-19 restrictions by 22 October.

The cabinet said the easing of rules is dependent on 90% of adults being vaccinated and Covid-19 cases remaining manageable.

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Easing of rules in the Republic of Ireland is dependent on 90% of adults being vaccinated

Northern Ireland's First Minister Paul Givan previously said he wanted all regulations lifted by the end of September.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has said he "absolutely" supports that view.

"Although we have a steady number of cases, we have had a massive reduction in the number of hospitalisations compared to January and February," he said.

Economy minister calls for plan to end restrictions

Mr Givan's DUP colleague said the Stormont executive must now "set out a path" for ending Covid-19 restrictions.

Hospitality businesses have been calling on ministers to agree to remove restrictions such as social distancing and table service requirements, which they say have damaged trade.

Nightclubs in Northern Ireland also remain closed, unlike in the rest of the UK.

Ms O'Neill previously said the executive needed to remain "cautious", while the SDLP's Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said it was "naïve" to set a date to end restrictions.

On Tuesday, six more coronavirus-related deaths were reported in the previous 24 hours.

There have also been a further 1,313 new confirmed cases of Covid-19, up from 1,259 cases reported on Monday.

There are currently 391 hospital inpatients with Covid-19, and 44 in ICU. Thirty-seven of them are on ventilation.