| | Dear reader
Northern Ireland has broken its own record for the number of daily Covid-19 cases many times over recent weeks, but the jump announced on Friday was by far the biggest yet.
The 934 cases reported by the Department of Health is more than double the highest daily total prior to Friday.
In the Derry City and Strabane council area – Northern Ireland’s current infection hotspot – the prevalence rate soared to a seven-day average of 422.8 cases per 100,000 people, a 100 rise on Thursday’s rate.
The announcement followed grim warnings of more lockdowns earlier in the day from Stormont’s scientific adviser Dr Ian Young, who said the public should expect “multiple lockdowns” over the winter.
That followed a similar warning from Dr Michael McBride, the executive’s chief medical officer.
Meanwhile, the DUP MP Jim Shannon said he is self-isolating after sharing a dinner table with SNP MP Margaret Ferrier earlier this week.
Ms Ferrier is fighting for her political future and facing calls to quit as an MP after admitting that she travelled from Glasgow to London despite having Covid-19 symptoms.
Mr Shannon has had a coronavirus test which has come back negative.
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