Dear reader,

The Covid-19 story took another twist on Thursday when a DUP councillor, John Carson, blamed the pandemic on the legislation of abortion and same sex marriage in Northern Ireland. 

Mr Carson has received severe criticism for the post he made on Facebook and the DUP have distanced themselves from his views. Mr Carson subsequently issued an apology.

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Many thanks

Alistair Bushe , Editor

Here are some of the day's main developments:

• The number of deaths with coronavirus in NI now stands at 36 after six more people died in the last 24 hours. The PHA report adds that the cumulative number of laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases in NI is now 774. So far 6,899 people have been tested.
• A trainee medic from Co Down has returned home after finding herself stranded in Peru, but despite the over-riding emotions she has to keep her distance from her family. Amy Brennan from Hillsborough had to wait almost two weeks to get a repatriation flight after returning from a mountain hike to find the entire country had shut down.
• A total of 2,921 have now died in the UK from coronavirus. That is an increase of more than 500 on yesterday.
• It is still vital that people follow social distancing advice. The full guidance can be found here