- All NI nightclubs will be closed from Boxing Day Nightclubs in Northern Ireland are now closed in a bid to curb the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant.
- Where can I get tested for Covid-19 over Christmas?
- Up to six people from six households will be allowed to sit together at a table, but this will not apply to a wedding or civil partnership celebrations.
Northern Ireland’s nightclubs have been closed in an effort to stop the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 strain as reported by BBC.
Events banned
The NI Executive said this was because nightclubs are high-risk settings where face coverings and social distancing rules could not be applied.
They only reopened fully on 31 October after being closed from March 2020.
All large indoor standing events are also banned in Northern Ireland with further restrictions in force from Monday.
The regulations will be reviewed by the executive on 30 December.
Ministers in England aren’t expected to discuss whether to impose further measures until Monday.
In Northern Ireland, local and mobile Covid-19 testing sites are currently operating at a reduced level of service during the Christmas period with shorter opening times from 10:00 until 14:00.
New restrictions
The majority of the new Covid-19 restrictions begin on Monday and mainly affect the hospitality sector.
Up to six people from six households will be allowed to sit together at a table, but this will not apply to a wedding or civil partnership celebrations.
The restrictions that have moved back in are a far cry from the full lockdown people in Northern Ireland faced last year.
The measures are a response to rising cases and an attempt to stem the tide, which is expected to rise further into January.
And what is the plan to help workforces who face potentially large numbers of staff being absent due to Covid or self-isolation?
Omicron
As Omicron tightens its grip, ministers have no easy options and it’s possible they could have to take further steps when they meet again on Thursday for a post-Christmas review.
Pubs and restaurants already worried about trade this week will nervously await what that could mean for their New Year’s Eve service.
Proof of Covid status will remain a requirement to enter hospitality venues and some other indoor settings.
It will remain a legal requirement for people to wear face coverings in shops, on public transport and indoor attractions – unless they are exempt.
sporting events can continue with no limit on capacity but those travelling to and from games are advised not to car share.
Executive support
A day after announcing restrictions, the executive unveiled a support package for the hospitality businesses affected.
The Department of Finance will deliver the £40m fund to provide for more than 3,000 businesses.
The Omicron Hospitality Payment will provide:
- £10,000 for businesses with a rateable value up to £15,000
- £15,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,001 to £51,000
- £20,000 for businesses with a rateable value over £51,000
The concept, however, excludes supply chains and people who provide entertainment.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy acknowledged the need for additional help for individuals in the hotel industry last week.
He said his department would continue to encourage the UK government to reinstate furlough, and that extra funds would be available “to take more actions in the period ahead if such measures are required,” when the grant scheme was launched.
“We’re still discovering what the impact of this variety will be, so we don’t know how long this will last or whether other steps would be required,” he added.
Boxing Day sales
While the Boxing Day sales usually draw a large number of visitors to Northern Ireland’s town centres, Retail NI’s Glyn Roberts told BBC News NI that the new limitations are a source of concern for companies on the High Street.
He explained, “The modern high street is all about being a destination.”
“It’s not good for retail if our hospitality colleagues are experiencing restrictions or are closed,” she says, “and we’re concerned that it will result in drastically lower footfall for our high streets as a whole.”
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Source: BBC
