Theatres and concert venues get green light to re-open

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed that theatres and concert venues can re-open from 6pm on Tuesday (July 27).

The relaxations were agreed at a virtual meeting of the executive this afternoon (Monday).

As part of the move to allow theatres and concert venues to reopen, the executive has agreed live music will be permitted for rehearsals and performances with no restriction to background ambient levels of volume.

Audience members must purchase tickets in advance, must have allocated seating and social distancing of one metre (3ft) will be required.

Meanwhile, the Executive have already announced the relaxation of some restrictions considered ‘low risk’.

From today (Monday) 15 people from unlimited households can meet outdoors, and close contact services can open without the need for pre-booked appointments.

As well, fully vaccinated people returning to Northern Ireland from so-called amber countries will not have to quarantine.

In the Republic, draft guidelines for the reopening of indoor hospitality have been published.

As of today, all potential customers will have to show proof of immunity from Covid-19 before they can drink or dine in indoor venues.

Proof of immunity means being able to show a record of full vaccination, or recent recovery from the disease.

There have been other modest changes to Covid-19 restrictions, including an increase in the number of people who can meet indoors.