Coronavirus restrictions extended to cover all of NI - No return to full lockdown

GAA issue statement after First Minister Arlene Foster voices 'serious concern' at scenes of jubilation and crowds at GAA game

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Subscribe              Sep 21, 2020           Dear reader Monday brought another day of fresh coronavirus restrictions for Northern Ireland.  In response to the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, the Stormont Executive announced that restrictions introduced previously for certain postcode areas are to be extended to the whole of the Province from Tuesday at 6pm.  There will be no mixing of two households indoors except for single-person household bubbles and certain other exemptions. No more than six people from two households can meet in private gardens. First minister Arlene Foster denied that the restrictions were a return to full lockdown, warning that the mixing of households indoors was one of the best opportunities for the virus to spread.  The news came after the Department of Health confirmed that two more people with Covid-19 died over the weekend. In addition 125 people tested positive for the virus over the last 24 hours.  In total, 1,014 positive tests for coronavirus have been recorded over the last week while five people with the virus are fighting for their lives in intensive care wards.  The continued rise in cases came against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the apparent flouting of social distancing rules at weekend GAA matches, principally the Tyrone County final in Omagh. Arlene Foster took to Twitter to convey her concerns at the scenes, saying she was "deeply concerned". The first minister called on Ulster GAA to take action with the governing body later admitting that on-pitch celebrations had breached GAA and public health protocols.  Enjoy your evening   Alistair Bushe Editor  Want total access to all of our online content? You can subscribe to our website, newsletter.co.uk for just £1 a month for 3 months - and it couldn't be easier. Signing up will get you faster-loading articles, fewer adverts and access to exclusive content and events when we run them. To learn more, visit our Subscriptions page here.           GAA issue statement after First Minister Arlene Foster voices 'serious concern' at scenes of jubilation and crowds at GAA game           The GAA have issued a statement after First Minister raised concerns over scenes of jubilation after a GAA win over the weekend which saw crowds in close contact - with no thought to social distancing.                 Students continue to ignore COVID-19 restrictions   Frustration is growing as university students living in the Holylands area of Belfast continue to flout coronavirus restriction measures.           Expansion of cross border health provision urged to tackle 'dire' waiting lists   An expansion of cross border health provision could help to reduce Northern Ireland's "dire" waiting lists, Michelle O'Neill has said.           Covid cases spike is 'deeply concerning' - 'important decisions to be taken in the days and weeks ahead'   The Stormont health committee has asked to speak with Health Minister Robin Swann after 176 more cases of Covid were confirmed yesterday.           Covid hits military veterans' mental health across the UK, says leading charity   A UK-wide charity which supports military veterans with mental health issues says it has seen a marked deterioration in their wellbeing during the pandemic.           Join the 'Big Conversation' around how life has changed beyond recognition since the end of March   Many of us are still working from home and we are all wearing face masks to do our shopping and travel on public transport.                 View more on Coronavirus

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