Over 1,000 positive covid cases in Northern Ireland schools

There have been 1,491 positive cases of coronavirus in Northern Ireland schools since their August reopening, including teachers, staff and students, education minister Peter Weir has said.

The announcement came as schools begin a two-week closure to curb the spread of Covid-19, including half term, which is set to be reviewed on 2 November.

There have been 1,491 cases from 24 August to 13 October, which works out as 0.4% of the school population.

The education minister said schools had mostly had cases of single individuals testing positive.