Potential six week lockdown proposals being considered by Executive

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The Stormont Executive is understood to be on the brink of announcing a new six-week lockdown for Northern Ireland.
The restrictions, which are expected to include the closure of non-essential retail and hospitality, are likely to take effect from Boxing Day. It comes on the back of previous restrictions having failed to bring down the R number in Northern Ireland.
It’s been mooted that even essential shops in the Province could close by 8pm every night during the first week of lockdown while the police will be expected to maintain a more visible role to ensure the rules are obeyed. Schools may yet take a longer Christmas holiday.
An announcement on the lockdown is expected some time this evening. It is thought the restrictions could be reviewed after an initial four-week period.
The imminent announcement will come after yet another steep rise in daily coronavirus figures. Another 656 people have received a positive Covid-19 diagnosis in the last 24 hours in Northern Ireland. Twelve deaths have been reported by the Department of Health.
Northern Ireland’s health leaders have faced renewed criticism of their approach to the pandemic. During this morning’s proceedings at the Stormont Health Committee, Sinn Fein’s Pat Sheehan accused the chief medical officer and chief scientific advisor of failing to develop a “strategic vision” in tackling Covid-19.
Alistair Bushe

Editor
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