Five more people have died as a result of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.
As of today (8 April) testing has resulted in 84 new positive cases.
It brings the total number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland to 1339.
To date, 78 people who tested positive have sadly died.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland patients are being recruited to play their part in NHS clinical trials.
The trials will include patients in primary care, hospital care and intensive care units.
Health Minister Robin Swann said he welcomed the fact that Northern Ireland is playing a full part in these trials.
“These trials will benefit individual patients and also contribute significantly to our learning about the virus and how to treat it. The most promising potential treatments have been identified – using international evidence and NHS expertise.
“The trials are another key part of the fightback against Covid-19. Our involvement once again underlines the benefits of being part of the wider NHS family,” he said.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said the faster people are recruited to clinical trials and other studies, the sooner they will get the evidence so patients can get the best possible treatment.
“Those who volunteer for studies will help others in the future,” he added.
Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Ian Young said they want to gather reliable evidence through the clinical trials, for the benefit of patients around the world.
The UK’s four Chief Medical Officers have written to doctors to encourage participation in the trials.