28/03/2020
New powers from 11pm.... Major statement from Executive. New powers to come into force from 11pm. Gatherings of more than two people will be illegal. New powers to close premises. Illegal to leave home without good reason.
A reasonable excuse includes the need:
to obtain basic necessities, including food and medical supplies;
to take exercise either alone or with other members of their household;
to seek medical assistance;
to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person, or to provide emergency assistance;
to donate blood;
to travel for the purposes of work or to provide voluntary or charitable services, where it is not reasonably possible for that person to work, or to provide those services, from the place where they are living;
to attend a funeral of a family member.
2. Restrictions on gatherings
No person may participate in a gathering in a public place of more than two people except:
where all the persons in the gathering are members of the same household,
where the gathering is essential for work purposes,
to attend a funeral.
3. Under the regulations, the following businesses are subject to restrictions or closure:
Restaurants, including restaurants and dining rooms in hotels or members’ clubs.
Cafes, including workplace canteens (subject to sub-paragraph (2) of the regulations), but not including:
(a) cafes or canteens at a hospital, care home or school;
(b) canteens at a prison or an establishment intended for use for naval, military or air force purposes or for the purposes of the Department of the Secretary of State responsible for defence;
(c) services providing food or drink to the homeless.
(2) Workplace canteens may remain open where there is no practical alternative for staff at that workplace to obtain food.
Bars, including bars in hotels or members’ clubs.
Public houses.
Cinemas.
Theatres.
Nightclubs.
Bingo halls.
Concert halls.
Museums and galleries.
Casinos.
Betting shops.
Spas.
Nail, beauty, hair salons and barbers.
Massage parlours.
Tattoo and piercing parlours.
Skating rinks.
Indoor fitness studios, gyms, swimming pools, bowling alleys, amusement arcades or soft play areas or other indoor leisure centres or facilities.
Funfairs (whether outdoors or indoors),
Playgrounds, sports courts and outdoor gyms.
Outdoor markets (except for stalls selling food).
Car showrooms.
Auction houses
4. The following types of businesses can continue to operate but are under a legal duty to adopt social distancing measures. This does not mean that these are the only types of businesses that may remain open:
Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.
Off licences and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries).
Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists.
Newsagents.
Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores.
Petrol stations.
Car repair and MOT services.
Bicycle shops.
Taxi or vehicle hire businesses.
Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers and cash points.
Post offices.
Funeral directors.
Laundrettes and dry cleaners.
Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health.
Veterinary surgeons and pet shops.
Agricultural supplies shop.
Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business included in this Part.
Car parks.
Public toilets.
5. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 will be published on the Department of Health website later this evening.
6. Media enquiries to the TEO Press Office on 028 9037 8201. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.
