07/10/2021

Ministers To Discuss Relaxing More Covid-19 Restrictions

Stormont ministers are to meet today, 07 October, to decide whether to lift some of the remaining Covis-19 restrictions in the hospitality sector.

It is believed the changes, if agreed, may not take effect until the end of this month.

In September, the Executive agreed to end social distancing restrictions for shops, theatres and a number of other indoor settings.

They asked some sectors to put in place mitigations including proof of double vaccination or a negative lateral flow test.

In a previous meeting, ministers did not take a decision on the hospitality sector and capacity remains limited in bars and restaurants.

The Executive is expected to discuss whether that rule should now be scrapped for hospitality outlets as well and, if so, what mitigations should accompany it.

The issue of vaccine certification is to be discussed today as ministers consider potential mitigations if they allow the hospitality industry to return to full capacity.

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