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Further 616 Covid cases in NI as GAA suspend all activity in light of ‘problematic’ events

There have been a further 616 positive Covid-19 cases reported in Northern Ireland over the last 24 hours, according to the Department of Health.

It brings the seven day case total to 3,630, however, it is the first time this month there have been no reported daily deaths.

There are now 64 people in hospital as a result of the coronavirus, with 12 of those in intensive care units.

There have been 248 cases reported in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon borough in the last seven days, with 579 in the Newry, Mourne and Down district in the same period.

Meanwhile, the GAA’s Management Committee has today endorsed a decision to suspend all GAA Club games ​at all levels with immediate effect ​and until further notice.

The GAA says the decision has been taken “in the interest of public safety following a number of incidents that have been brought to our attention in recent days”.

The statement referred in particular to how “post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events have proved disappointing and problematic”.

This directive applies to all ages and all grades across the island.

Club social centres and bars are also to close.

The GAA statement added: “​Training will continue to be permitted as per the guidelines outlined for the relevant levels in the Government’s National Framework for Living with Covid 19 and relevant guidelines in the six counties.

“The GAA will continue to monitor the situation in the ​coming days and weeks, regarding changes in government guidelines, before liaising with our units accordingly.

“The Association would also like to acknowledge all of those units who have worked diligently in complying with the public health advice around the staging of our games and training sessions since activity resumed.

“More than ever, we ask that you continue with this approach regarding training sessions”.

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