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Matt Hancock hailed the “national endeavour” to lower the amount of coronavirus deaths in the last six weeks as he announced Northern Ireland had no deaths yesterday. The Health Secretary went on to reveal the UK has launched a drug trial for selected NHS patients. The drug, Remdesivir, has shown promising results and could shorten recovery time to four days.

Speaking at Downing Street, Mr Hancock said: “Yesterday across the UK, 134 deaths were reported.

“But for the first time since March 18, I am very encouraged to confirm that yesterday there were no deaths from coronavirus in Northern Ireland.

“I want to pay tribute to Robert Swan, my opposite number and all those across the NHS, the public health in Northern Ireland and the people of Northern Ireland who have shown such resolve to be able to bend the curve down and thank them for the work that they’ve done.”

He went on to say the UK has made a “significant process” in replenishing its PPE stockpiles.

Mr Hancock added: “Today I can annouce that we are beginning a new trial for selected NHS patients of an anti-viral drug called Remdesivir.

“There have already been some promising early results on coronavirus patients with early data suggesting it can shorten recovery time by about four days.”

More to follow…

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