COVID-19: 'Grow up and wise up' message to rule breakers

Northern Ireland's Chief medical officer is appealing directly to young people to avoid St Patrick's Day parties next week.

Dr Michael McBride was speaking at the weekly Stormont health briefing on Covid-19.

He said: "Some people need to wise up and grow up.

"People are still dealing with the consequences of Covid-19.

"There are eight families grieving today, there are many more people in hospital.

"There are family members concerned about the outcome for those individuals so please, all of us, stay with this.''

The CMO also revealed that the so-called 'Kent' strain was now the most dominant in Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Health Minister raised fears Rangers title celebrations at the weekend may have been a 'super spreader event.'

Police are investigating after crowds gathered on the Shankill Road to celebrate the Scottish Premiership victory on Sunday night.

Robin Swann said it would be 'regrettable' if Covid infections rise as a result.

"It shouldn't have happened and the club has urged fans to follow government guidelines and Steven Gerrard has done the same.

"The potential of there being spreaders within that crowd, we will wait to see now in the next few days in regards to testing and outbreak reports by the PHA.

"It will be regrettable and it will be unfortunate if that event does lead to an increase in Covid infections in that area."