The daily updates released by the Department of Health about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic have shown a massive jump in the number of positive cases for the virus in Fermanagh and Omagh.

The Local Government District still remains the least affected area but the number of positive cases has jumped from 86, reported yesterday, to 179 in today's report.

And while looking at the yesterday's figures would show that there were no positive cases in the area in three weeks, there have been four positive cases in the last 14 days, with one in the last seven days, according to the figures released today (Thursday).

There has also been an increase in the number of tests completed, rising from 3,445 to 5,906.

The new data collection by the department refers to both Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust Laboratory completed tests (Pillar 1) and National Initiative Laboratory completed tests (Pillar 2).

Prior to today, information on laboratory completed tests was only reported for the four HSC Trust laboratories. 

Alongside testing by HSC Trust laboratories, there is a programme for testing being carried out at National Testing Centres, mainly for health care and key workers. 

Information on laboratory completed tests for the National Initiative are available from April 28, with the department waiting for additional data to be provided for the period April 4-28.

The briefing also shows that there were no new Covid-19 related deaths reported in Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours, with the total figure remaining at 547.

Completed tests from both Pillar 1 and 2, show that two people tested positive for the virus out of 1,661 tests.

The inclusion now of Pillar 2 brings the total number of positive individuals tested to 5,724 increased from 4,873, with 102,164 individuals tested.

The statistics show that Fermanagh and Omagh is still has 10 deaths confirmed, however the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) reported there were 16 deaths in the district up until June 12.

Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) data shows the death toll reached 802 by June 12 and this includes care homes/ in the community/hospice and hospitals.