BBC News Northern Ireland

DUP votes against proposal to issue draft plan for consultation next week, but move passes.

The total number of deaths with coronavirus recorded by the Department of Health is now 2,918.

Sir Michael McBride says social distancing may need to be enforced again to tackle Omicron.

The agency's Covid deaths total, based on mentions of the virus on death certificates, is 3,898.

Aidan O'Kane, director at Northern Ireland's largest IT company, becomes the chamber's 79th president.

There are warnings full implementation of the NI Protocol could mean some medicines being withdrawn.

Buddy Bear School in Dungannon relies on grants, fundraising and donations in order to operate.

Justice Minister Naomi Long says police will deal with anyone abusing staff over Covid restrictions.

The total number of deaths with coronavirus recorded by the Department of Health is now 2,916.

Officials say it can be hard to predict and virtually impossible to prevent in wild birds.

The first minister says Northern Ireland must be prepared for the challenge of Omicron in the New Year.

People in England are being advised to test for Covid before going to crowded places this winter.

The Class A drugs were found in a car on Wednesday evening by police dog Carlo.

The searches are part of an ongoing investigation into dissident republican activity.

People in Northern Ireland will have to provide proof of their Covid-19 status to access certain venues.

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) makes the recommendation in its annual report.

Over a quarter of those who died in NI since the pandemic began had dementia or Alzheimer's.