Executive meeting postponed after Michelle O’Neill contracts Covid

Tuesday, 31 August 2021 14:58

By Grainne Connolly

By Q Radio News and PA reporter

A meeting of the Stormont Executive to discuss remaining Covid restrictions has been postponed after deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill contracted the virus.

The Sinn Fein politician tweeted that she is currently self-isolating and hopes to return to public duties next week.

The Executive had been due to meet on Wednesday to discuss Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland.

A meeting of the Stormont Executive to discuss remaining Covid restrictions has been postponed after deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill contracted the virus.https://t.co/zpTTBQsxQr
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 31, 2021

But it cannot now proceed as it requires both the First and deputy First Minister to chair the meeting.

The Executive is now expected to meet next week.

Certain restrictions still apply in Northern Ireland, with no more than 10 people from three households allowed to meet indoors at a private home and hospitality businesses required to operate table service only for drinks.

One of Ms O’Neill’s ministerial colleagues had earlier called on the Stormont Executive to “set out a path” for ending remaining restrictions.

DUP Economy Minister Gordon Lyons told the BBC: “We need to start moving on these issues, we have to take into account the impact on the economy, the health service and society more generally.

“Although we have a steady number of cases, we have had a massive reduction in the number of hospitalisations compared to January and February.

“As an executive we’ve all said we want these restrictions to end as soon as possible, taking all the evidence on board including the economic and health data as well.”

The Sinn Fein vice president revealed that she is in self-isolation but hopes to return to public duties next week.

She wrote on twitter: “I have contracted Covid-19. I am thankful to have had two doses of the vaccine.

“I’ll remain in self-isolation, and hope to return to my public duties next week.

“Executive Office Minister Declan Kearney, will take forward Departmental business in the meantime.”

I have contracted Covid-19. I am thankful to have had two doses of the vaccine. I’ll remain in self-isolation, and hope to return to my public duties next week. Executive Office Minister Declan Kearney, will take forward Departmental business in the meantime.
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) August 31, 2021

Meanwhile, six further deaths of patients who had tested positive for Covid-19 have been reported in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health said there had also been 1,313 new confirmed cases in the last 24-hour reporting period.

On Tuesday morning there were 391 Covid-positive patients in hospital, with 44 in intensive care.

So far, 2,445,876 vaccines have been administered.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill

Meanwhile, one of Ms O’Neill’s ministerial colleagues has called on the Stormont Executive to “set out a path” for ending remaining Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland.

DUP Economy Minister Gordon Lyons told the BBC: “We need to start moving on these issues, we have to take into account the impact on the economy, the health service and society more generally.

“Although we have a steady number of cases, we have had a massive reduction in the number of hospitalisations compared to January and February.

“As an executive we’ve all said we want these restrictions to end as soon as possible, taking all the evidence on board including the economic and health data as well.”

Some Covid restrictions remain in place in Northern Ireland, with no more than 10 people from three households allowed to meet indoors at a private home and hospitality businesses required to operate table service only for drinks, and must record customer details for contact tracing.