Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey today paid tribute to the vital and tireless work of voluntary and community organisations in response to COVID-19.

The past few weeks have been unimaginable. I want to extend my sympathies to all those who have lost their loved ones. To those in hospital fighting covid-19. To those at home – waiting, watching and wondering when this will end.

Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and their officials have over the past 24 hours been involved in a number of initiatives and critical decisions relating to the Coronavirus emergency.

The First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill with Executive Ministers Peter Weir (Education) and Nichola Mallon (Infrastructure) provide update on actions being taken in the fight against Covid-19.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has confirmed that testing is now underway at the site of the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) test centre in Newtownards.