Stormont: Executive to discuss Covid-19 changes
Ministers are set to discuss social distancing rules, vaccine passports and face coverings
Last updated 7th Oct 2021
Further Covid-19 relaxations are due to be discussed at today’s (Thursday) Executive meeting.
On the agenda are social distancing in hospitality venues, face coverings and vaccine passports.
First Minister, Paul Givan, at the last meeting of the Executive, said today Ministers would decide what restriction would be lifted on October 14.
He signposted this date as a “significant day” leaving many businesses in Northern Ireland, especially those in the nightclub sector, hoping more movement would be made on easing restrictions.
Speaking to Cool FM and Downtown Radio Declan Jordan, Manager of Rosie Joe’s Bar in Londonderry, said he hoped Ministers agree to further relaxations as he fears the industry will become obsolete if progress is not made soon.
He said: “I think now with the vaccinations going higher and higher, the intake of it, I think it’s about time the restrictions were finally lifted to give that extra push for the hospitality trade.
“We suffered very badly during the pandemic, probably the worst hit sector across the board.
“I think that was an actual fear within the nightclub industry before the pandemic, it was definitely becoming a hit with disco bars and things becoming a big thing with the younger generation coming through and It’s very very sad to see that some of them aren’t going to survive.
“We here at Rosie Joe’s are lucky that we have a live music venue and more of a nightclub upstairs.
“So, we will be trying out hardest to push upstairs and bring that life that Derry needs for a nightclub.”
Further coronavirus restrictions were relaxed in NI on September 27.
The Stormont Executive agreed to end social distancing for retail, indoor attractions and indoor seated venues.
Additionally, indoor seated venues were urged to ask for proof of vaccine cert, a negative lateral flow test or positive PCR test undertaken in the previous 30-180 days.
The one metre rule will continue to apply in those locations.
The added guidance urges use of screens, one way systems and ventilation
What Covid restrictions are left in NI?
As well as social distancing in the hospitality sector, other areas still covered by regulations or guidance in NI are:
- Numbers allowed to gather in domestic indoor settings
- A ban on large house parties and indoor raves
- The Executive's "work from home where possible'' message
- The need to be seated to consume food and drink in a hospitality setting
- The need to be seated at indoor music events and the ban on dancing
- The requirement to wear face coverings in indoor areas such as retail and public transport
- The need to carry out risk assessments to stage events
- The requirement to take contact details in certain settings.
Domestic setting restrictions
Up to 15 people from no more than four households can meet in a private home and stay overnight. There are no restrictions on the number of people that can meet in a private garden.
A ban on large house parties and indoor raves
With the max number allowed indoors at 15 people, large house parties and indoor raves are prohibited.
Working from home messaging
Health officials last month advised keeping the guidance in place, employers are asked to be flexible, and adhere to public health advice.
The need to be seated to consume food and drink in a hospitality setting
The need to be seated at indoor music events and the ban on dancing
Dancing is allowed at weddings and civil partnership receptions, but nightclubs in Northern Ireland remain closed, unlike those in the rest of the UK
The requirement to wear face coverings in indoor areas such as retail and public transport
People must still wear them on public transport, in shops and a number of other settings - unless they are exempt
The need to carry out risk assessments to stage events
Social distancing and track and trace must be executed to hold stage events. Entry to concerts, theatres and other types of performances will be ticket only, purchased in advance.
The requirement to take contact details in certain settings.
Customers in hospitality venues are asked to share personal details, such as their name and contact number, as part of the UK's 'Track and Trace' system.
Read More:
Social distancing confirmed to end in areas across Northern Ireland
Stormont: Executive special meeting to discuss potential easing of social distancing rules
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