NI Executive reveal Autumn/Winter Covid-19 Contingency Plan
The NI Executive has published its 2021 Autumn/Winter Covid-19 Contingency Plan.
A joint statement from the First and Deputy First Minister outlined their plan for the upcoming in the fight against Covid-19, both warning that the threat from the virus remains.
It reads: "This contingency plan sets out a realistic approach for the months ahead and details the actions the Executive has taken. It also outlines the options for measures it could take if the situation deteriorates to slow the spread of the virus and protect our health service.
"It is based on the need to keep our society and economy open to the fullest possible extent and, hopefully, in totality."
Wearing face coverings in crowded indoor settings will remain a legal requirement in Northern Ireland throughout this autumn and winter.
As well as the continued legal requirement for risk assessments to be carried out in certain settings and for visitor and attendee details to be recorded to support the work of the Test, Trace and Protect system.
Working from home and a more flexible/hybrid work culture is still encouraged, to reduce the number of contacts that take place in work settings.
In the event that case numbers rise sharply or hospital pressures become unsustainable, the Autumn Winter Plan sets out a number of potential contingency measures which the Executive may decide to use. These include:
- More focused communications to emphasise the risk and the need for everyone to act immediately
- The potential to deploy Covid status certification in higher risk settings if considered appropriate and necessary
- A strengthening of arrangements for self-isolation for close contacts
- A re-imposition of a legal requirement for minimum social distancing in prescribed settings
The Assembly heard that just over 82% of people aged 12 and above in Northern Ireland have received one dose of the vaccine.
Paul Givan and Michelle O'Neill said: "There has been a huge societal effort to slow the spread of the virus and, in following the public health advice, many lives have been saved. We need that effort to continue.
"The threat from the virus remains and if we are to continue to keep our society as open as possible and retain the progress we have made, then everyone must continue to stick to the public health advice."
Take a look at the public health advice for this autumn/winter ⬇️
Get the Covid-19 vaccination
Keep your distance
Self-isolate when necessary and to take a PCR test if you have symptoms
Wash your hands regularly, and cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing
Meet outdoors or somewhere well ventilated
Wear a face covering in crowded or indoor settings
Take regular Lateral Flow tests if you don't have symptoms to reduce the risk of spreading the virus
Work from home where practicable, or a mixture of home and office based working
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