Social distancing rules relaxed

THE Executive has agreed to remove the legal requirement to socially distance in retail, indoor visitor attractions and seated venues such as theatres, concert halls and cinemas.

The Executive has also asked that those responsible for these venues, and those attending them, continue to utilise all other available mitigation’s such as hand sanitising, good ventilation, and using one way systems where possible. The wearing of a face covering remains a legal requirement in these settings.

The Executive has  advised the proprietors or management of  indoor seated venues such as theatres, concert halls and cinemas that additional mitigating measures are utilised. These include, proof of being fully vaccinated, or proof of a negative lateral flow rapid test, or proof of natural immunity from a positive PCR test undertaken in the previous 30-180 days.

The Executive has said,  “Additional mitigation’s becomes even more important in the absence of social distancing and are vital to ensuring a safer, sustainable reopening to full capacity.

“Whilst the legal requirement for social distancing is being removed, we would ask people to keep close face to face contact to a minimum at all times.

“We know from our engagement with the arts, culture and events sectors that a number of venues and event organisers have already been limiting access to those who are fully vaccinated or can show the necessary test results.

“We welcome this approach and appreciate the willingness of the sector to work with us to achieve a safer reopening.

“The issue of social distancing in the hospitality sector will be considered at our meeting next week along with our autumn winter Covid Contingency Planning. We will continue our engagement with this sector as we approach the decision points relevant to them.

“We would also like to remind the public that free lateral flow Rapid COVID-19 tests are freely available to the public.”

The issue of social distancing in the hospitality sector will be considered at a
meeting next week along with the Executives autumn winter COVID-19 Contingency Planning.