| Dear reader The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has published figures revealing the extent of excess deaths in the Province during 2020. The agency says that there were 1,958 excess deaths in Northern Ireland between March 1 and December 31. That figure is 15.4 per cent above the expected level of deaths. The improving Covid-19 statistics in Northern Ireland and the publication of the Executive’s recovery road plan on Tuesday was reflected in Ryanair announcing on Thursday that it is to return to Belfast City Airport after the absence of a decade. The airline announced a summer programme of flights to the continent from Belfast, including to destinations like Majorca, Alicante, northern Italy and Portugal. The prospect of summer holidays seemed a distant one just a few weeks ago, but hopes are rising for those wishing to enjoy a much-needed break away in the sun. The latest statistics from the Department of Health show that another 163 people recorded a positive test for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, significantly down on the day before. There are also 50 fewer Covid-19 patients in our hospitals than there were 24 hours previously. Alistair Bushe Editor * Want total access to all of our online content? You can subscribe to our website, newsletter.co.uk for just £1 a month for 3 months - and it couldn't be easier.
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