'Bogus' - Health Minister reacts to DUP MP's comments over new covid measures
Robin Swann has branded "bogus" claims that he was overruled during last week's Executive meeting on coronavirus restrictions.
DUP MP Sammy Wilson said his party leader, First Minister Arlene Foster, had reined in health department "technocrats'' who wanted to take more severe measures.
On Thursday, ministers resolved to impose localised limitations on people socialising in Belfast, Ballymena and other areas with high infection rates.
But in a Tweet, the Health Minister said: "In light to what is being alleged this morning, I am not going to breach the confidentiality of Executive discussions to comment on ill-informed and bogus claims.
"Our public health messaging is too important to play games with.''
Mr Wilson alleged that Mr Swann and others had pressed for more extensive restrictions during Thursday's Executive meeting.
Limits on social interaction between households amid soaring Covid-19 infection rates in the Belfast council area were agreed last week.
People living in Ballymena town and postcode areas BT43, BT28 and BT29 have also been given guidance discouraging non-essential journeys outside the affected zones.
There will also be new legally enforceable social restrictions - residents in these areas cannot visit other households.
There are a number of limited exceptions, including childcare provision and households that have formed a social bubble with another.
No more than six people, from no more than two households, are allowed to meet in private gardens.