More than 160,000 prepaid cards u nder Northern Ireland’s high stre et voucher scheme have been issue d, the Economy Minister told MLAs.

Good afternoon

This is your afternoon Coronavirus update from the News Letter

The deaths of a further six patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 have been reported in Northern Ireland.

The region’s department of health has also notified another 1,278 cases of the virus.

On Tuesday morning there were 368 Covid-positive patients in hospital, of whom 31 were in intensive care.

To date 2,556,457 vaccines have been administered.

Subscribe today and save 50% on your first 6 months

Check out using promo code ATMN50

For six months, you’ll get all of this from just 13p per day. Unlimited access to the website. 70% fewer ads and an improved experience. Interactive daily puzzles. Access to the newspaper edition app on mobile, tablet and desktop. Perfect for staying in the know with Northern Ireland news comment