No circuit-breaker update yet as late night talks rumble on

Stormont executive ministers are yet to reveal whether or not covid-19 restrictions will be eased on Friday, November 13th.

That date could prove unlucky for hospitality and close contact service businesses who have been forced shut amid the ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown, depending on the much anticipated decision coming from devolved powers.

Meetings were halted earlier after Ministers requested additional scientific evidence from Health Chiefs – they wanted to know what ‘likely’ impact opening eateries without permitting alcohol sales would have on the transmission of coronavirus.

Some restrictions could stay in place for another fortnight, but one relaxation is touted to be allowing cafes and restaurants to reopen, but without alcohol being sold.

There are doubts whether ministers will press ahead with this option, after restaurant owners today insisted the inability to sell alcohol would make trading unviable.

It is understood that health minister Robin Swann favours an extension of the circuit-break measures for two weeks.

They are also assessing whether close-contact services, such as hairdressers and beauticians, could be allowed to resume as long as strict restrictions are observed.

On Monday morning ministers requested further analysis on these proposals, and it is understood chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride and chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young worked to pull together evidence.

It may be Tuesday morning until any moves are formally announced.

That would come in the form of a statement in the Assembly chamber by Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill.