By Tony O’Riley-
A four-week “circuit breaker” lockdown will come into force in Northern Ireland on Friday in an attempt to stall the rise in coronavirus infections.
First Minister Arlene Foster confirmed the month long lockdown in a statement in which she said that the half-term holiday break for schools will be extended and now last two weeks, from 19 to 30 October.
Only pubs and restaurants that offer a takeaway service will be able to open, but places of worship and gyms can stay open. It comes after a meeting of the Stormont executive that extended into the early hours of this morning.
The Derry and Strabane Council area, which has additional restrictions, has been experiencing the highest infection rate in the UK and Ireland, with a seven day average of 970 cases per 100,000 people.
Household bubbles must be no bigger than 10 people from two households, and overnight stays in other homes are banned. All mass events involving more than 15 people are to be banned.
Alcohol
Off licences and supermarkets will not be permitted to sell alcohol after 8pm
Hospitality sector to close, apart from takeaway services.
Universities and further education providers should provide distance learning as much as, and where possible.
Places of worship twill remain open, provided face coverings are worn in the entrance. Wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships to be limited to 25 people with no receptions from 19 October. Funerals and committals to be limited to 25 people with no pre or post-funeral gatherings
The restrictions will initially last for four weeks, and any extensions will require a decision from the Northern Ireland Executive.
Ms Foster expressed an appreciation that the fresh restrictions will be difficult and worrying news for a lot of people, but insisted it would be for a limited period of 4 weeks only.
“The Executive has taken this decision because it is necessary, and we discussed the impacts in great detail. We do not take this step lightly.
“We must reach a different place on both the numbers and on getting back to the basics of social distancing and I know everyone will want to work with us on that.
“Small acts can have large and important contributions to managing COVID-19.”