| Good afternoon The Department of Health today announced that another 15 people have tested positive for Covid-19. Down from yesterday's figure of 43 this number shows that the virus is still very much active in the community. Although the Department recorded no deaths in the last 24 hours the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistical Research agency showed that one person had lost their life to the virus in the period from the 25th to 31st July. The NISRA Covid-19 related death toll now stands at 855.
In a change to legislation First Minister Arlene Foster announced that the mandatory use of face-covering was to be implemented. The NI Direct website states that 'From 10 August it will be mandatory to wear a face covering in a shop or shopping centre, or any indoor public space where it is not possible to maintain social distancing'. Stiff fines will be put in place for those that fail to follow the requirement. At the same time it was revealed that schools will reopen at the start of the term but that pubs would not be able to start serving on August 10 as originally hoped. Stay safe and have a good weekend Michael Cousins Deputy digital 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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