“It doesn’t get any more serious than this": Chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride

"The Executive has probably taken its hardest decision, its most deep decision..." Health minister Robin Swann

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Subscribe              Dec 18, 2020           Good morning News summary: The Northern Ireland Executive has for the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic issued guidance banning outdoor gatherings between the hours of 8.00pm and 6.00am from December 26, 2020 to January 2, 2021. Eighty-six people died with suspected Covid-19 in Northern Ireland in the latest week subjected to statistical analysis. A Co Cavan man whose sister was murdered in a loyalist bomb attack in 1972 is calling for answers on who was behind the attack and their motives. Geraldine O'Reilly, 15, and Paddy Stanley, 16, were killed in the no-warning car bomb in Belturbet in December 1972.  With the police investigation into events around the Bobby Storey now complete, DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the PPS must now demonstrate that "no one is above the law". The funeral sparked a major political row, with the Sinn Fein leadership and members accused of ignoring Covid rules by attending the event. And writing in the News Letter Peter Robinson says 'We must make Northern Ireland function as best we can while winning support for the Union'.  Keep safe Michael Cousins Deputy digital editor   Thanks for your support for our journalism this year. If you haven't already, then please consider taking out a digital subscription with us from just £1 a month. And we are offering 20% off if you get someone a subscription as a gift this Christmas. Just use the code CHRISTGIFT20 - find out more here.           NI Covid-19 death-toll now 1,594 says NISRA           Eighty-six people died with suspected Covid-19 in Northern Ireland in the latest week subjected to statistical analysis.                 Executive to impose 8pm curfew on outdoor gatherings - Hospital admissions could reach 5,000 before end of January if no action taken   The Northern Ireland Executive has for the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic issued guidance banning outdoor gatherings between the hours of 8.00pm and 6.00am from December 26, 2020 to January 2, 2021.           Peter Robinson: We must make Northern Ireland function as best we can while winning support for the Union   As we sit on the cusp of the centenary of Northern Ireland's creation, we also hear voices question the longevity of the constitutional link with Great Britain because of the Brexit arrangements and, in particular, the Northern Ireland protocol, writes PETER ROBINSON.           You can use this vaccine calculator to see when you might get the coronavirus jab   Now that the rollout of coronavirus vaccines has begun across the UK, many are wondering when they'll be vaccinated           Green Party: The five party Stormont model has not been conducive to sound Covid decision making, and has made another lockdown necessary   This lockdown will come as yet another blow for the many people who have struggled financially and emotionally during the course of this pandemic, writes CLARE BAILEY.           Belfast Chamber: We were told Northern Ireland would move away from cycles of lockdowns, yet here we are again   We have all seen how Covid-19 levels in Northern Ireland are still stubbornly high and how our NHS is under severe pressure and appreciate the need for action, writes SIMON HAMILTON.               Christmas Star - the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn   An amazing astronomical event will happen next week that hasn't been seen by human eyes for eight centuries.       Through the archives: The Red Hand of Ulster is cast at Westminster   From the News Letter, December 18, 1958                             NIFL confirm two Premiership games are postponed           The NI Football League have confirmed that Carrick Rangers home game with Crusaders on Friday 18 December and Portadown's match with Larne on Saturday 19 December are now off.                   Eric O'Sullivan expects Ulster to hit back after Toulouse defeat   Last season Dan McFarland wasn't happy with Clermont tight head Rabah Silmani scrummaging in the Heineken Champions Cup game at Kingspan Stadium.       Sport postponed as new Coronvirus measures come in from Boxing Day   All sporting activity will cease in Northern Ireland between 26 December and 2 January under new Covid-19 restrictions.       Flashback: England surrender Ashes with a whimper on this day in 2006   England surrendered the Ashes on this day in 2006 after they slipped to a 206-run defeat in Perth to give Australia an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.                   View more news

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