NI self-isolation rules relaxed

Rules on self-isolation in Northern Ireland are to be relaxed, Stormont ministers have agreed.

People who are close contacts of positive cases will no longer have to isolate for 10 days, as long as they test negative and have had both jabs of a Covid-19 vaccine, the PA news agency understands.

The move, which was agreed at a virtual meeting of the powersharing Executive and comes into effect on Monday, brings Northern Ireland into line with rule changes already agreed for the rest of the UK.

At Thursday's meeting, ministers also agreed to end class bubbling arrangements in schools.

However, ministers decided to retain the use of face coverings in post-primary school classrooms for the first six weeks of the new term.

Allowing the return of conferences and exhibitions is also being considered at Thursday's meeting, as is the current one-metre social distancing requirement in indoor settings.

All other remaining Covid-19 restrictions will be discussed. These include limits on indoor and outdoor domestic gatherings; use of face masks in indoor settings; the ongoing closure of nightclubs; and restrictions on the hospitality sector such as the six person table limit.

The removal of all remaining rules seems unlikely, but ministers may move on some measures, particularly those with an outdoor focus.

Coming into effect on Monday August 16th at 00.01 :

🌳Private gardens

The restriction on the number of people who can gather outdoors at a domestic setting will be removed, including the ban on outdoor house parties.

🙌Raves

The restriction on outdoor raves will be removed from the Regulations.

🏠Bubbles/linked households

The provision for bubbles or linked households will be removed as it is no longer required.

🚌Social Distancing on public transport

The requirement to maintain social distancing on public transport at all times will be lifted, to allow for a return to higher capacity on our transport links. No other amendments were made on the requirement to socially distance.

🍽Hospitality

The limit of numbers permitted at tables will be removed. This will also apply to wedding receptions.

🏫FE Colleges, Universities and NSCs

For the new academic year there will be a full return to face-to-face on-site delivery in FE Colleges, Universities and Non-Statutory Contractors including the removal of social distancing restrictions in classrooms.

🏢Conferences and exhibitions

Conference centres can reopen allowing conferences and exhibitions to resume.

👩‍🏫Schools return

The requirement for school bubbles will be removed for the beginning of the school year with mitigating measures remaining in place. The requirement to wear a face covering will remain in place for the first six weeks of the new term and remain under review. However, for subjects where social distancing is possible, such as drama in a large hall, face coverings are no longer required. Further guidance will be issued to schools by the Department of Education.

There will also be a full return to extra-curricular and support activities as well as youth services.

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• stormont
• covid-19 ni
• schools
• hospitality