Dominic Cummings insists that he behaved ‘reasonably’ - Eight more deaths have been reported among people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland

The latest deaths bring the NI total to 514

View email online

News   What's On   Lifestyle              May 25, 2020           Your daily update on Coronavirus news: Dominic Cummings insists that he behaved 'reasonably' In a highly unusual press conference in the rose garden of 10 Downing Street, the prime minister's chief adviser said he made the journey because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with Covid-19, but also concerns about his family's safety. The number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland has risen to 514 after eight more deaths were reported by the Department of Health The department also reported a further 39 cases of confirmed Covid-19, bringing the total number of positive cases in Northern Ireland to 4,609. Belfast Chamber has written to the First Minister and deputy First Minister asking for a date for the re-opening of non-essential retailers to allow them time to prepare Belfast Chamber Chief Executive Simon Hamilton said, "Non-essential retailers have now been closed for over two months. Easily over 90% of staff have been furloughed. Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced plans to extend expiring driving licences for an additional seven months from the expiry date This extension will be automatically applied and new licences will not be issued during this period. Dozens of parishioners at a Co Antrim church have joined together for the first time in weeks after the reopening of its drive-in service Pastor Brian Madden, of Maghaberry Elim Church, said he was happy to be able to deliver his service in front of church members. Belfast City Council is expected to furlough staff working in Belfast Zoo, markets and other areas this week, a trade union has said Eight of Northern Ireland's 11 local councils have already announced furlough schemes for permanent staff. View the Department of Health dashboard here>>           Eight more deaths have been reported among people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland           The latest deaths bring the NI total to 514                 City centre retailers 'keen to open'   Belfast Chamber has written to the First Minister and deputy First Minister asking for a date for the re-opening of non-essential retailers to allow them time to prepare.           Timeline: How the Dominic Cummings controversy unfolded   Boris Johnson has backed his top aide Dominic Cummings, saying he "acted responsibly, legally and with integrity" when he drove 260 miles to County Durham to isolate with his family.           Dozens of NI parishioners attend drive-in church service   Dozens of parishioners at a Co Antrim church have joined together for the first time in weeks after the reopening of its drive-in service.           More NI councils poised to furlough staff   Belfast City Council is expected to furlough staff working in Belfast Zoo, markets and other areas this week, a trade union has said.           Northern Ireland coronavirus death toll rises to 514   TThe number of people who have died after testing positive for coronavirus in Northern Ireland has risen to 514 after eight more deaths were reported by the Department of Health.                 View more on Coronavirus

Please note Due to the unprecedented nature of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic we have launched this new daily newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest official information and advice. How to opt out of these emails We are sending these daily Coronavirus email bulletins in addition to our daily newsletter emails. If you would like to opt out of only these additional Public Interest emails, and continue to receive your regular daily newsletters, please click here.         You have received this email as you have an account on the News Letter, published by JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. To manage your individual newsletter preferences with us, please click here and log in to your account.     Alternatively you can update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive from JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, or unsubscribe from all future emails.     JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 11499982, having its registered address at Third Floor, 1 King William Street, London, England, EC4N 7AF, United Kingdom. We will process your personal data in accordance with our privacy policy.