Eighteen deaths and 1,378 new cases of COVID-19

Eighteen further people have died as a result of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.

There are 1,378 new cases.

The Department of Health #COVID19 dashboard has been updated.

1,378 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. A further 18 deaths have been reported (7 deaths outside the current reporting period.)https://t.co/YN16dmGzhv pic.twitter.com/45rLEMa1sn

— Department of Health (@healthdpt) January 5, 2021

School transfer tests have been cancelled in Northern Ireland with the first test having been scheduled for this week.

The news comes amid a rapid rise in coronavirus cases.

Pupils will continue with remote learning for an extended period in Northern Ireland, the NI Executive has said.

The update follows a meeting of ministers on Monday night in line with England and Scotland’s tightening of restrictions due to a rapid rise in coronavirus cases.