Dear reader

Northern Ireland’s churches have remained open despite the fresh round of coronavirus restrictions in the Province, however a church in Ballymoney has now had to close because of an outbreak. 

Hebron Free Presbyterian is believed to be the first church in Northern Ireland to be affected by multiple cases of Covid-19.

Church minister Reverend David Park said the decision was taken to close the building after the outbreak was detected and added that it has now undergone a deep clean. 

News Letter political editor Sam McBride also claimed on his Twitter account that Hillsborough and Moneyslane Free Presbyterian churches have closed because of small Covid-19 outbreaks. 

The news came as the Department of Health here confirmed another 10 deaths in the Province related to coronavirus. 

Another 679 positive Covid-19 cases were also recorded in the last 24 hours, with the department also revealing that 418 patients with Covid are being treated in our hospitals. Fifty of these patients are fighting for their lives in ICU. 

Positive news is in short supply in relation to the pandemic, but reports on Wednesday did claim that GPs are preparing for a December rollout of a Covid-19 vaccine. Healthcare staff and the over-85s could be first in line to get the vaccine. 

Alistair Bushe
Editor

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