Northern Ireland's Health Minister has expressed concern that the number of close contacts linked to positive coronavirus cases is on the rise.
Robin Swann said the average number of contacts associated with people who tested positive was just below one at the start of the year.
He told the Assembly's health committee that figure is now almost 2.5. Mr Swann was discussing the work of Northern Ireland's test, trace and protect system.
He said the upscaled system was ensuring around 94% of close contacts were being reached and informed. He said the average time to make contact was six and a half hours.