Northern Ireland's chief scientific adviser has expressed concern at the "rapid" rise in Covid-19 cases, warning of an "inevitable" increase in death rates as a result.
Professor Ian Young said cases have doubled in around the last eight days and there has also been an increase in hospitalisations.
He said he was "very concerned" about stalling vaccination rates in Northern Ireland, with almost 20% of the adult population still to come forward for a first dose.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, he said the pressures on hospitals have been very significant all through the summer for multiple reasons.