Almost 2,000 new Covid infections + NI GCSE and A Levels cancelled

A stark warning has been issued by the PSNI about a new phishing text message scam.

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Subscribe              Jan 6, 2021           Dear reader,   Education Minister Peter Weir has had to face down fresh demands for his resignation amid the ongoing row over transfer tests.    The DUP man confirmed on Wednesday that GCSE and A-level examinations will not go ahead as planned this summer in Northern Ireland, but he has so far declined to step in and confirm the cancellation of transfer tests.    However, that prompted scathing criticism in the Assembly, with Ulster Unionist Mike Nesbitt leading calls for the North Down MLA to resign.    On a day of surging numbers of new Covid-19 cases, with almost 2,000 new infections recorded in 24 hours, the Department of Health has confirmed that the Nightingale Hospital, located at Belfast City, is to be expanded, with bed capacity increased from 24 to 32.    There was also worrying news about a new scam related to a Covid-19 vaccine. The PSNI revealed details about a message circulating, telling people they are eligible to pay for a vaccine. It subsequently asks for bank details.    Meanwhile on Wednesday, Health Minister Robin Swann revealed the progress on Covid-19 vaccination numbers. Around 50,000 people here have received the first jab, this includes 90 per cent of care home residents and 30,000 healthcare workers.    Alistair Bushe,   Editor Want total access to all of our online content? You can subscribe to our website, newsletter.co.uk for just £1 a month for 3 months - and it couldn't be easier. We also have a special offer for you - 21% off all our monthly or annual subscription packages - when you use the code 21NEWYEAR between now and Sunday, January 17. Signing up will get you faster-loading articles, fewer adverts and access to exclusive content and events when we run them. To learn more, visit our Subscriptions page here.           PSNI warn against new COVID-19 phishing text message           A stark warning has been issued by the PSNI about a new phishing text message scam.                 'In the name of God, go': NI education minister faces down calls for his resignation and refuses to step in over AQE transfer test plans as schools close and GCSE and A-levels are cancelled   Education Minister Peter Weir faced down calls for his resignation and insisted he won't step in to call off transfer tests even after cancelling GCSE and A-level exams.           Extra spaces added to Nightingale Hospital for expected Coronavirus surge   Northern Ireland's Nightingale Hospital is set to be expanded.           Price of Christmas coronavirus relaxations emerging as almost 2,000 new infections and 13 deaths recorded in last 24 hours   The price that Northern Ireland will pay for relaxing Covid-19 restrictions for Christmas is beginning to emerge after the Department of Health (DoH) recorded almost 2,000 new infections and 13 Covid-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours.           Sammy Wilson confronts Boris Johnson over new restrictions - 'the first two lockdowns didn't work, are you hoping for third time lucky?'   DUP MP Sammy Wilson has strongly criticised lockdown measures introduced across the UK - telling the Prime Minister that similar measures have failed in the past.           Ex principal: Education is life-changing and it is shameful to deny it to children   Isolation, lockdowns, quarantine, masks, no hugs, no sport, no friends, no pantomime, no educational visits, no clubs, no choir, writes HUGH McCARTHY.           MORNING VIEW: AQE is right not to give up yet on this year's transfer test   Last evening the Association for Quality Education (AQE) said that it was pressing ahead with an entrance test for grammar schools.           'Stick to the rules' warning as spike looms at end of month   People need to follow tough new rules carefully to prevent the spread of the highly infectious variant of coronavirus, Northern Ireland's chief scientific adviser has warned.           Weekly Clap for Carers is restarting as Clap for Heroes - what you need to know   People all over the UK took part in the weekly Clap for Carers during the first national lockdown, standing on doorsteps every Thursday night to thank key workers for their hard work.           A team investigating the origins of Covid-19 in Wuhan have been denied entry to China   A team from the World Health Organization (WHO) that was due to investigate the origins of Covid-19 in the city of Wuhan have been denied entry to China.           NI public ORDERED to stay at home - legally enforceable from Friday   The NI Executive last night agreed a package of additional restrictions given the high levels of Covid-19 transmission in the community.                 View more news

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