A leading supermarket has warned about fresh fruit and vegetable shortages ‘within days’

First Minister Arlene Foster cannot say if the dangerous COVID-19 variant is in Northern Ireland - but it is "probable it is here".

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Subscribe              Dec 21, 2020           Good morning   Thanks for your support for our journalism this year. If you haven't already, then please consider taking out a digital subscription with us from just £1 a month. And we are offering 20% off if you get someone a subscription as a gift this Christmas. Just use the code CHRISTGIFT20 - find out more here. At last night's virtual meeting the Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to reduce the five day Christmas bubbling arrangements in the region to just one day. It's understood flexibility will be afforded to people working on December 25 to enable them to bubble on another day over the festive break. Meanwhile First Minister Arlene Foster cannot say if the dangerous COVID-19 variant is in Northern Ireland - but it is "probable it is here". Speaking on Good Morning Ulster she said that four cases have been identified and samples have been sent to England for analysis. A miracle toddler who defied the odds to overcome a series of life-threatening illnesses during four months in intensive care is set to spend his first Christmas at home. Caden Coburn from Lisburn was due on Christmas Eve last year but arrived 15 weeks early weighing only 1lb 10oz.  And, Give My Head Peace will return for four fun-filled episodes, but there's also a poignancy to the BBC NI comedy series as the cast bids farewell to BJ Hogg. BJ, who played Big Mervyn in the show, died in April during lockdown at the age of 65.  Have a good day Michael Cousins Deputy digital editor           First Minister Arlene Foster says it is 'probable' 70% more infectious COVID-19 variant 'is in Northern Ireland'           First Minister Arlene Foster cannot say if the dangerous COVID-19 variant is in Northern Ireland - but it is "probable it is here".                 Sainsbury's sounds alarm over fresh fruit and vegetable shortages 'within days'   Sainsbury's has warned customers that it could run out of some fresh fruit and vegetables "within days" as a direct result of the complete border shutdown between France and Great Britain.           Boris Johnson to hold emergency talks today after France closed its borders for freight and travel   Numerous European countries have now banned travel from the UK, in response to the quickly-spreading mutated strain of Covid-19.           Give My Head Peace back with new episodes to give Big Mervyn proper send off   Give My Head Peace will return for four fun-filled episodes, but there's also a poignancy to the BBC NI comedy series as the cast bids farewell to BJ Hogg.           Christmas bubbles to be limited to one day in Northern Ireland amid fears over spread of mutant virus   The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to reduce the five day Christmas bubbling arrangements in the region to just one day.           NI doctors: We can't provide full services to non-Covid-19 patients   Over 70% of doctors in Northern Ireland say they have been unable to provide a full range of services to non-Covid patients over the last two weeks.           Parcel operators to suspend deliveries between GB and Northern Ireland   Concerns have been raised about disruption to parcel delivery in Northern Ireland with several companies suspending services due to Brexit.           Royal Black Institution to remember former leader and son murdered by IRA terrorists 40 years on   The Royal Black Institution is set to hold events next year to mark the 40th anniversary of the double murder of a former leader of the Institution and his only son by republican terrorists.               7 tips for making Christmas present wrapping easier   12 Days of Christmas competition       Pictures: Christmas cheer around NI in recent years   Look at the happiness on the faces of children - if only we could bottle it.                             James McLaughlin ends special year on a high           2020 may not go down as a memorable year for too many people, but for James McLaughlin it has been a pretty special one.                   Frustration for Dan McFarland as Ulster let lead slip again   Ulster are all but mathematically out of the Heineken Champions Cup after two defeats from two games.       FLASHBACK: Test your sporting knowledge   Test your sporting knowledge with our daily quiz:       Paddy McLaughlin determined to freshen things up at Cliftonville   Paddy McLaughlin says he will look to freshen up the Cliftonville squad in January after they slipped to their fifth defeat in seven games on Saturday.                   View more news

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