Twelve further people have died as a result of COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.
There are 656 new cases.
The Department of Health #COVID19 dashboard has been updated with latest data.
656 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours. Sadly, a further 12 deaths have been reported (2 deaths were outside the 24 hour period).https://t.co/YN16dmGzhv pic.twitter.com/agGsJAams1
— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 17, 2020
Meanwhile, a six-week lockdown could come into force across Northern Ireland in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19. It could begin on 28 December.
And Health Minister Robin Swann has said the COVID-19 pandemic will linger on into the new year.
“We now once again need a united front across society to get us through this period and into better days,” he said.
Listen again to Senior Nurse Joanna Sloan who has received the first dose of the #CovidVaccine and is helping to deliver the vaccination programme in Northern Ireland. @BelfastTrust @publichealthni pic.twitter.com/Z5YwX8wFe9
— Department of Health (@healthdpt) December 17, 2020