COVID-19: Executive to decide on winter plans October 7

THE Executive will look to finalise their autumn-winter COVID-19 Contingency Plan at their meeting on October 7.

On the areas of, numbers at domestic settings; the ban on large house parties and raves; the need to be seated to consume food/drink; and the need to be seated at indoor music events; they  will review the relevant data in October, not introducing relaxations in these areas before 14 October.

Over the next few days the executive will undertake further work on what mitigation’s and measures would bring the North to a position where the Executive can make relaxations in the area of social distancing. 

The Executive has said, “with the case numbers still high, and the economic pressure on those businesses impacted by the remaining restrictions still being felt acutely, particularly across the arts, culture and hospitality sectors, we want to work to enable them to reopen to their maximum capacity as safely as possible and to remain open.”

To facilitate this, the  Executive will have further focused discussions with sector representatives on how they can work together to achieve this in line with the autumn winter planning needs. The sectors have some ideas they  want to explore in more detail. They will meet again on Monday to discuss this issue further.

On international travel, the Executive has decided to remove the requirement for Pre-Departure Testing for fully vaccinated arrivals from non-red list countries. This will come into force at 4 am on  October 4.

Earlier this week the Executive visited a hospital They said, “we listened to the medical and healthcare workers. We heard their worries and concerns and their pleas for us to take action now to avoid adding to the pressure they are already under, which we anticipate increasing significantly over the winter period.

“As we enter this period, which is traditionally a tough time for our health sector, we ask you to please, get your first and second vaccines, if you are eligible for a booster please avail of that when it is offered to you. Every single person taking the vaccine makes a difference.

“Continue to wear your face coverings, to wash your hands, and when meeting people indoors ensure the space is well ventilated.”