COVID CERTS: Vote passed

MLAs have voted in favour of the Covid Certification scheme for Northern Ireland by 59 votes to 24.

It follows the Assembly's lengthy discussions on the regulations last night (Monday).

Politicians returned to the chamber today (Tuesday) where Health Minister, Robin Swann, closed the debate and votes were cast.

The scheme requiring people to prove Covid status to gain entry to a range of hospitality venues and larges attendance events was introduced late last month with a two-week grace period to allow businesses adjust to the new requirements.

Under the regulations, businesses who repeatedly fail to administer the scheme could face fines of up to £10,000.

It means customers bound for nightclubs, pubs, restaurants, and other licensed premises will need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative lateral flow test result or evidence of a previous Covid-19 infection.

The same rules will apply for entry to large indoor and outdoor events, such as concerts and sporting events.

It comes a day after protestors gathered outside parliament buildings to show their opposition to the introduction of the scheme.

Large crowds took to the iconic Stormont steps, holding signs which read “fear not freedom” and “we say no to vaccine passports”.

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• covid-19
• vaccine certificates