No new Xmas rules for NI – but smaller bubbles urged as ‘aggressive’ new covid strain found

There are new rules for England, Scotland and Wales amid fears over a new and more aggressive strain of covid-19, but Northern Ireland has been issued instead with extra advice and calls for as small a bubble as possible.

An 11th hour statement last night (Saturday) from the First and Deputy First Ministers came after pressure to change the rules to line up with UK counterparts.

📍London and south east England are in a 'tier four' lockdown from this morning (Sunday), meaning mixing households at all over Christmas is banned.

📍Wales will allow two households to mix on Christmas Day instead of the previously agreed three households.

📍Scotland's First Minister has imposed a ban on travel to and from the rest of the UK other than for work, and students coming back home are also exempt.

However, Northern Ireland, instead of more rules being implemented, more advice has been issued.

🎄This means three families can still legally meet up for a Christmas bubble between December 23rd and December 27th, and NI is therefore the only region in the UK where this will be technically allowed.

🎄Despite no change in law, the First and Deputy First Ministers are calling on the public to keep bubbles as small as possible, and to consider only meeting up on Christmas day itself.

🎄For now, the six-week lockdown starting on December 26th remains the plan. That inludes one week with a curfew in operation from 8pm, shops closed from that time, and all indoor and outdoor gatherings prohibited until 6am.

The 11th hour statement

The advice was issued after Arlene Foster, Minister Michelle O'Neill and Health Minister Robin Swann met with chief medical officer Michael McBride and chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young, following news rules were being tightened in other parts of the UK.

In a statement circulated after that meeting, First Minister Arlene Foster said she understands people will be worried after hearing news of lockdowns in other UK regions.

“We have had a detailed discussion about the situation in Northern Ireland,” she said.

“Progression of a new variant strain of Covid-19 in England is concerning, and a reminder to us all to be on our guard to the dangers of the virus.

“The Executive has already taken significant action earlier this week in advance of other regions. It is incumbent on us all to do what we can to minimise the risks of Coronavirus spreading. We ask everyone to think carefully about all their actions and follow the public health advice rigorously.

“We urge everyone to carefully consider their plans so that they are as safe as possible, particularly for those who are more vulnerable,” said the First Minister.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill added: “We are clearly very worried about the Covid-19 situation that is unfolding. The speed at which this variant strain of the virus is spreading is deeply concerning.

“We have already taken difficult, but necessary, decisions here to introduce severe restrictions from 26 December. This critical intervention was made to protect the health service and save lives. We will be keeping the current situation under very close review and will continue to be guided by the advice of our scientific and medical experts.

“Christmas bubbling arrangements are in place for those who feel they need to come together. If you must avail of them, then please consider doing so for one day only, Christmas Day. Keep your bubble as small as possible and meet for the shortest amount of time you can. Please follow the public health advice and take every step you can to keep you, your loved ones and everyone around you safe.”

Health Minister Robin Swann said the variant strain of Covid-19 found in England is cause for ‘serious concern’ in this ‘rapidly evolving situation’.

Minister Swann continued: “This should serve as a reminder to us all to be ultra-careful and to do everything we can to keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect the health service.

“If you have made plans for Christmas, revisit them to keep those who matter to you safe. Those who are vulnerable remain vulnerable. If you are meeting family or friends, keep it as small, as short and as local as possible.”

The statement also said Ministers and their officials continue to work ‘attentively and collaboratively’ on these issues, meeting throughout the weekend, as necessary.