After writing in our blog yesterday about the possibility of imminent new restrictions being introduced in a bid to halt the rise of Covid-19 infections in Northern Ireland, the Executive have acted swiftly today in bringing in tight new measures.
Hospitality Restrictions & School Closures
These include the closure of schools as from Monday, for 2 weeks, and hospitality businesses limited to takeaway and delivery services from Friday, initially for a period of 4 weeks. This move was after new statistics showed that there was a further 1,217 cases and four more deaths with Covid-19 last Wednesday.
Circuit Breaker In A Bid To Curb Infections
It is hoped that this short, sharp, so-called circuit breaker will curb the increase in infections, let us all hope this is the case as the economic consequences of a long lockdown for the hospitality sector could very well prove the end of the line for many businesses.
Here are the new measures being imposed in Northern Ireland copied from the BBC News website:
- “Closure of the hospitality sector, apart from deliveries and takeaways
- Other fast-food and takeaway premises to close at 23:00
- Off-licences and supermarkets not to sell alcohol after 20:00
- No indoor sport or organised contact sport involving mixing of households, other than at elite level
- No mass events involving more than 15 people (except for allowed outdoor sporting events where the relevant number for that will continue to apply);
- Close-contact services such as hairdressers and beauticians to close – apart from those relating to the continuation of essential health interventions and therapeutics.
- Mobile hairdressers and make-up artists – also classed as close contact services – prohibited from working in homes
- Gyms to remain open for individual training but no classes permitted
- Places of worship to remain open but face coverings mandatory when entering and exiting
“BBC News NI’s Political Reporter Jayne McCormack understands it is the intention of the executive for the regulations to take effect from Friday evening by 18:00.
“The current restrictions on household mixing are expected to remain as they are.
“That would mean no mixing of households in private homes – with exceptions including those joined in social bubbles – and gatherings in gardens limited to six people from no more than two households.”
Get In Touch If You Have An Affected Business
If you own a business in the hospitality sector and you need some advice on your current situation and what you can do about it please give our offices in Armagh a call on 028 3752 2909 and we will endeavour to help you.
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