Confusion over Coronavirus regulations expiry date

Legislation runs out at midnight on Friday NOT Thursday

Author: Tara MclaughlinPublished 12th Nov 2020

The Department of Health has confirmed that Northern Ireland's current circuit-break regulations expire at midnight on Friday - 24 hours later than had been previously announced by Stormont.

The department clarified the legal position around the closure of hospitality businesses and close contact services after consultation with the Departmental Solicitor's Office.

A Department of Health spokesman said: "Executive ministers last night received revised legal advice that the deadline for the current restrictions on hospitality and close contact businesses is midnight on Friday November 13, and not tonight.''

It means businesses have been working to the wrong timeline around when the circuit-break would end.