Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has expressed concern over the rise in cases of Covid-19 and urged people over 65 and those who are immunosuppressed, to avail of their second booster.
Speaking as he arrived for this morning's Cabinet meeting, the minister said there had been a threefold increase in hospital cases in recent weeks.
He said that of those in hospital aged over 65, "quite a bit less" have availed of the second Covid-19 booster vaccine. He also said that seven in every ten Covid patients in hospital are aged over 65.
Mr Donnelly appealed to people to adhere to public health advice, which still recommends the use of face coverings on public transport and healthcare settings.