NI may need to close border with the south over vaccine differential, Arlene Foster suggests

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* First Minister Arlene Foster has suggested that NI may need to close border with the south over vaccine differential.

The First Minister made the comments in a radio interview as she made another appeal for the UK to share surplus vaccines with the Republic of Ireland.
She also stressed that Northern Ireland isn’t “miles off” completing its vaccination programme as she insisted problems with supplies manufactured in India shouldn’t hold back the acceleration of the roll-out on this side of the border.
* The Department of Health (DoH) recorded zero additional Covid-19 related deaths but did however detect 65 new infections in Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours.
It means the total number of Covid related deaths in Northern Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic remains the same at 2,111.
The DoH also recorded 65 new infections - the lowest daily total recorded in more than six months.
* Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Northern Ireland Executive to provide urgent clarity to caravan owners around their rights, and when they will be able to once again use their caravans.
Ms Lockhart said: “Caravan owners spend thousands of pounds each year for the pleasure of enjoying their caravans.
“For many is it a place of respite, of relaxation, of spending quality time with family, and switching off from the pressures and stresses of daily life. Such benefits are all the more needed as we continue to face the impact of COVID-19 on our lives.
* The vaccination centre at the SSE Arena is another step on the pathway to a better and safer future, the First Minister, deputy First Minister and Health Minister have said.
First Minister Arlene Foster said: “The opening of The SSE Arena as a regional vaccination centre is a significant milestone in the rollout of our vaccination programme. More than 726,000 adults have now received their first dose of the vaccine and the opening of the vaccination centre here will see that figure rise significantly in the coming weeks. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to get booked in, to help protect themselves, their families and our community.”