In the last 24 hours of reporting in Northern Ireland, eight Covid-19 related deaths and 896 new cases of the virus have been reported, according to the Department of Health.

The death toll is 653.

34,105 cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland.

At present, 317 patients are being treated at Kovid-19 Hospital and 37 are in intensive care.

At the same time, the Community Minister said that Kovid-19 Reproduction (R) number should be below one before schools reopen.

Carol Na Chuilan said the average R value of people infected with the virus is between 1.4 and 1.6, when the executive decided to close schools for two weeks.

Ms Ní Chuilín, who isolates herself at home after a family member tested positive for Kovid-19, warned of some behavior when leaving school and gathering students.

Schools will reopen on November 2 after a long hiatus.

Ms Ní Chuilín asked if the executive had targeted an R value before the schools reopened.

“We have to keep it to a minimum,” she told the BBC’s The View program.

“We think the procedures followed by the school staff are very good, but we need to look at the behavior when we leave children and pick up children.

“I know the schools did their best, but we still have the problem. Today, about 30 people are in an intensive care unit for their lives,” he said.

“There were 26 of us when we made those decisions. We still have a big job to do. We need to reduce that R rate.”

The 7-day infection rate per 100,000 in Northern Ireland is 366.6. The highest rates are still at Derry & Strabain 522.2, Mid Ulster 520.6 and Belfast 518.7. @rtenews ErFergalBowers

– Vincent Kearney (ins Vince Kearney) October 25, 2020

However, she added that it was the executive’s intention to keep the schools open.

“However, when it comes to statistics, we need to make sure that the Kovid-influenced families behind these statistics are receiving our medical and scientific advice and evidence,” she added.

“It simply came to our notice then.

“I assure everyone that our goal is to keep schools open and reduce restrictions when the number of people affected by covid decreases.”

Miss Nuvilan reiterated comments made by Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill that the extension of the four-week circuit break lockdown could not be removed from the list.

The minister said this was a prudent approach.

“We are dealing with an epidemic. All of us around the world do not know what’s in front of us. Through changes in our own behavior, customs and practices, we can try to prevent this virus and control its potential,” she added.

While the current rules do not prevent fans from participating in a limited number of elite sports, fans are urged not to participate in football games.

The GAA has stopped spectators from participating in the games, and Ulster Rugby will also play home games behind closed doors until Stonemont reviews the proceedings in mid-November.

However, the Irish FA allowed spectators to participate in Northern Ireland matches.

The minister made another request to the IFA to play their games behind closed doors.