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Coronavirus: How many Covid-19 tests is NI carrying out?
May 24, 2020
New Covid-19 testing capacity unveiled this week means Northern Ireland is now closer to hitting its targets.
In recent weeks, senior ministers have discussed hopes to carry out 3,500 tests a day.
While the numbers have so far fallen short of this target, new capacity outside the Department of Health has provided a major boost.
A consortium, including NI's universities, is expected to deliver some 1,400 additional tests a day.
With pressure on Northern Ireland's leaders to deliver for healthcare workers, as well as the staff and residents of care homes, BBC News NI crunches the numbers on how many tests are being conducted.
New testing capacity
The new capacity is the result of work by a consortium made up of Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University, the government's Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and pharmaceutical company Almac.
It is working with the Department for Health and is supported by Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Health Minister Robin Swann said the increased capacity was key in fighting the pandemic
After a number of delays to ensure the quality of the testing was sufficient , testing has begun at the AFBI facility, near Stormont.
Supported by experts from Queen's University, staff at the site are expected to process 1,000 tests a day.
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