Submitting... LIVE UPDATES: Coronavirus NI - January level surge predicted if B.1.617.2 Indian variant allowed to spread Last updated: Monday, 24 May, 2021, 14:44 Show new updates No deaths recorded as DoH confirms 53 new infections detected in last 24 hours There have been no further deaths of patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland. Another 53 positive cases were also confirmed by the region’s Department of Health. On Monday morning there were 29 Covid-positive patients in hospital, of whom two were in intensive care. January level surge predicted if B.1.617.2 Indian variant allowed to spread Prof Christina Pagel, director of the clinical operational research unit at University College London and a member of the Independent Sage, has said the United Kingdom will risk the possibility of a surge in infections similar to what unfolded in January if the Indian B.1.617.2 variant is allowed to spread.