Could schools be closed to fight new variant Covid-19?

Tributes to mother-of-two social worker who died due to coronavirus

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Subscribe              Dec 24, 2020           Good morning This Christmas will be very different for us all, and very difficult for many. We wish all our readers a safe and happy festive celebration. In breaking news: NI's Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Ian Young has said it will be very difficult to keep schools open if the new variant of Covid-19 becomes dominant in the region. The first positive case of the new strain in Northern Ireland was confirmed on Wednesday. Tributes have poured in for a Northern Ireland social worker and mother-of-two who sadly lost her life to coronavirus. "Everyone within the Western Trust are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of our dear friend and colleague, Nuala McLaughlin". And a Lisburn family has revealed how their joy at welcoming their newborn daughter turned to anguish when the infant was rushed to hospital for a lifesaving operation.  Stay safe   Michael Cousins Deputy digital editor 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.           Schools might need to shut due to arrival of mutant strain of coronavirus, says NI's Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Ian Young           Northern Ireland's chief scientific officer Professor Ian Young has said it will be very difficult to keep schools open if the new variant of Covid-19 becomes dominant in the region.                 NI Trust in tribute to mother-of-two social worker who died due to coronavirus   Tributes have poured in for a Northern Ireland social worker and mother-of-two who sadly lost her life to coronavirus.           BLM protests: PSNI chief dubbed 'a weak leader who should say sorry to frontline officers'   Simon Bryne is a "weak" Chief Constable who "needs to apologise to his officers", a former leading policeman has said, after the PSNI boss issued a meek, apologetic statement over police actions at Black Lives Matter demonstrations.           PSNI say absolutely nothing in their own defence over claim of 'institutional racism'   The PSNI has failed to respond in any way to claims from one of its own inspectors that the force is "institutionally racist".           Confirmation that mutant strain of coronavirus present in Northern Ireland   The mutant strain of coronavirus that prompted travel bans with Great Britain and moves to stricter restrictions in the areas most affected has now been confirmed as present in Northern Ireland.           Wishing our readers a Merry Christmas at the end of a difficult year   So much of 2020 has been upended, and thrown out of the normal calendar of events, that it seems hard to credit the fact that it is Christmas.               Your kids can hear a message from Santa if you have an Amazon Alexa   Festive cheer has never been more needed after such a tumultuous year, and many will be eagerly looking forward to a bit of joy this Christmas - especially kids.       These are the UK's top 10 Christmas film characters - did your favourite make the list?   12 Days of Christmas competition                             'Twists' to come but joy for Rangers' Steven Gerrard           Delighted Steven Gerrard is taking a glass-half-full approach after declaring himself pleased with the sight of his Rangers team sitting pretty at the Premiership midway point.                   Rory Hale move marks deal double for Cliftonville   Rory Hale has made a derby switch with his move from Crusaders to Cliftonville.       FLASHBACK: Test your sporting knowledge   Try our PA sports quiz:       Dan McFarland: Tough test awaits Ulster   Dan McFarland knows more than most how difficult it is to win at the Sportsground in Galway.                   View more news

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