Coronavirus daily briefing: Thoughts and prayers with Boris Johnson

The number of people to die in Northern Ireland after testing positive for COVID-19 has risen by three in the last 24 hours, the Public Health Agency for Northern Ireland has confirmed.

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News   What's On   Lifestyle              Apr 7, 2020           Dear reader,   The news last night that Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been admitted to intensive care after his coronavirus symptoms worsened has undoubtedly caused shockwaves across the country.    The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the News Letter, and indeed all of our readers, are with the prime minister and we hope to see him back leading the government in Downing Street soon.    In Northern Ireland, it's good to see more progress in the battle against Covid-19, as an MoT centre in Belfast was transformed into a drive-through testing facility. Initiatives like this can only be a help as the authorities look to significantly increase the number of tests being carried out in the Province.     Of course, this virus is no respecter of borders, and it was also encouraging to learn today that the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland administrations have signed a memo formalising their co-operation in the battle against coronavirus.   Alistair Bushe Editor           Three more COVID-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland - 97 more confirmed infections           The number of people to die in Northern Ireland after testing positive for COVID-19 has risen by three in the last 24 hours, the Public Health Agency for Northern Ireland has confirmed.                 NI school no longer able to cater for vulnerable students as front-line NHS staff move in   A Northern Ireland school principal has written to parents and pupils telling them he has handed over the premises to front-line NHS workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.           NHS Covid-19 clinical trials - NI patient recruitment begins   Patients in Northern Ireland are being recruited to take part in NHS clinical trials on COVID-19, the Department of Health has announced.           NI holidaymakers told to CANCEL all non-essential foreign trips 'indefinitely' by Foreign and Commonwealth Office - even if they are already booked to go   Northern Ireland holidaymakers have been told by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to avoid any up-and-coming non-essential trips abroad for an &quote;indefinite&quote; period.           Northern Trust issues guidance on equipment donations   The Northern Health and Social Care Trust has confirmed all donations of personal protection equipment (PPE) will be checked to ensure it meets required safety standards.           Emergency grant programme launched by Mid Ulster Council   Mid Ulster District Council has opened an emergency grant programme.                 View more on Coronavirus

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