Row erupts as Sammy Wilson attacks NI health chief over calls for full lockdown

12 Covid-19 related deaths recorded in last 24 hours - ICU bed capacity increases

View email online

Subscribe              Nov 5, 2020           Dear reader With a little over a week to the scheduled end of the coronavirus restrictions in Northern Ireland, a bitter row has broken out over whether the stringent measures on hospitality should be extended.  Dr Tom Black, the chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) in Northern Ireland, has been outspoken in his views about extending the lockdown, calling for the Province to be subject to a stricter lockdown, similar to that introduced in England.  However, he was subject to a stinging attack by East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson, who accused Dr Black of being "totally irresponsible". The veteran DUP MP also urged the Stormont Executive to "ignore" Dr Black's advice and reopen hospitality as planned in the middle of the month.  The row took place as another 12 deaths related to coronavirus were recorded in Northern Ireland over the last 24 hours. In addition, another 506 positive coronavirus cases were recorded by the Department of Health.  The economic cost of the coronavirus restrictions continues to affect the hospitality sector, with the Coach nightclub, one of Northern Ireland's best known nightspots, confirming that it is closing for good.  The Banbridge nightclub attracted thousands of revellers from all across Northern Ireland and further afield over the years, and is on the highest profile entertainment casualties yet from the virus.  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.           12 Covid-19 related deaths recorded in last 24 hours - ICU bed capacity increases           The Department of Health (DoH) has recorded 12 new Covid-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours.                 Live updates - Extension to 'circuit breaker' recommendation for ALL of NI - Furlough scheme extended to March -   The Northern Ireland Executive will consider extending the current 'circuit breaker' lockdown until the end of November when it meets in Stormont later today.           Huge row erupts as Sammy Wilson attacks NI health chief over calls for full lockdown   DUP MP for East Antrim, Sammy Wilson, has labelled the chair of the British Medical Association (BMA) in Northern Ireland "irresponsible" for calling for a stricter lockdown and said he wants the Executive to "ignore him".           Coronavirus NI: Resources to manage pandemic leaving mainstream services stretched - Chief Medical Officer says officials working to try and get the R number below 1   The Health Minister said it was "deeply regrettable" that the more resources that the system has to allocate to manage the pandemic the more difficult it would become to deliver mainstream services.           Executive advised that Covid-19 restrictions on hospitality should be extended for another two weeks   Health officials have advised the NI executive that Covid-19 restrictions on hospitality should be extended for another two weeks.           NI surpasses 1,000 Covid fatalities with official confirmation expected tomorrow   Northern Ireland has passed the key milestone of 1,000 coronavirus-linked deaths, official figures are expected to confirm tomorrow.           'We can't legislate our way out of crisis', say DUP and SF ministers   Ministers from Northern Ireland's two largest parties have said legislation won't solve the coronavirus crisis and instead sought to emphasise the role of the general public.           Probe into mistaken payment of Covid relief cash not yet begun – Simon Byrne   Police have not started an investigation into issues around the erroneous payments to ineligible businesses through Stormont's emergency Covid scheme.           Top London DJ Judge Jules praises NI venue as'best place in the world for atmosphere" as nightclub reveals it has closed its doors for the last time - heartbreak echoed online by legions of fans   A nightclub which has welcomed thousands of NI clubbers through its doors has announced it is closing.           Rishi Sunak furlough - Good news for NI as Chancellor extends UK jobs furlough scheme to the end of March   The jobs furlough scheme set up in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak is to be extended until the end of March, Rishi Sunak has told the Commons.                 View more on Coronavirus

Please note Due to the unprecedented nature of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic we have launched this new daily newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest official information and advice. How to opt out of these emails We are sending these daily Coronavirus email bulletins in addition to our daily newsletter emails. If you would like to opt out of only these additional Public Interest emails, and continue to receive your regular daily newsletters, please click here.         You have received this email as you have an account on the News Letter, published by JPIMedia Publishing Ltd. To manage your individual newsletter preferences with us, please click here and log in to your account.     Alternatively you can update your email preferences to choose the types of emails you receive from JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, or unsubscribe from all future emails.     JPIMedia Publishing Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with registered number 11499982, having its registered address at 1, King Street, London, England, EC2V 8AU, United Kingdom. We will process your personal data in accordance with our privacy policy.