Daily update reveals one further Covid-19 death

The daily Department of Health update has revealed there has been one further Covid-19 related death in the past 24 hours.

This brings the total to 535.

Meanwhile, the Executive looks set to reduce restrictions on Monday, and have outlined an opening date for tourist accommodation as July 20.

Hotels in the Tyrone including Omagh’s Silverbirch Hotel and Strabane’s Fir Trees, will be allowed to reopen from July 20 if Covid-19 remains under control.

Guesthouses, guest accommodation, B&Bs and hostels can also reopen on July 20 and the Tourism Steering Group will work with the sector to explore what facilities and amenities can safely be made available by hotels and recommendations.

Moreover from that date, holiday and home parks, caravan sites and self-catering properties will be allowed to reopen.

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said “As they are self-contained and may require less advance notice before opening, the opening times for these types of accommodation may be advanced to earlier than July 20 depending on scientific advice.”

The minister did stress, however, that progress on re-opening will depend on controlling the rate of transmission of the virus.

Further work is under way to assess the potential to re-open pubs and restaurants and all other parts of the tourism sector.