Good morning

Life in Northern Ireland is returning to something closer to normality this morning as as a wide range of businesses reopen following the latest two week lockdown. Shops, close contact services and the hospitality sector were closed under lockdown measures aimed at stemming the spread of coronavirus.

The reasons for the recent restrictions were made clear when it was disclosed the the total number of Covid-19 related deaths recorded in Northern Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic is now more than 1,500 according to the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 

In politics, Ian Paisley has cautioned against unionists falling into despair and “slashing our wrists” amid claims that Brexit has damaged Northern Ireland’s place in the UK. The DUP MP was speaking after figures from his own party and the UUP rounded on one another over what is frequently referred to as the coming “Irish Sea border”.

Health Minister Robin Swann has announced a major step towards a change in the laws around organ donation that would see people asked to ‘opt out’ rather than ‘opt in’ if they wish to donate their organs. Mr Swann has this morning launched a public consultation to seek the views of the public on the best way to introduce an opt out system.

Have a good day

Michael Cousins
Deputy digital editor

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