Executive agrees restrictions for Derry City and Strabane district

By PA

The Stormont Executive has agreed a series of new coronavirus restrictions for the Derry City and Strabane Council area.

It is understood measures include limiting hospitality outlets to outdoor dining, takeaways and deliveries.

Further restrictions are to be placed on outdoor gatherings and people in the area will be urged to work from home where possible.

People will also be advised to avoid unnecessary travel, with walking, cycling and use of private transport recommended.

The moves will be officially announced by First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill at a press conference later on Thursday.

Reacting to the new measure in the north west, Colin Neill, the chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said: “This will come as a shock but no surprise to the hospitality sector in the north west who have experienced the worst impact of this for over six months now,” he said.

“Public health and control of the coronavirus is the number-one priority, but it will, without doubt, be a devastating blow to our sector at this critical time.

“The imposing of further restrictions on top of tight, legally enforceable rules will mean closure for many as they won’t be able to meet the requirement, such as outside space, and with the weather getting colder, this will no longer be viable.

“Donegal placed at Level 3 status means that this entire north west area will effectively limp along.

“Our hospitality industry remains one of the safest on the island of Ireland and the UK, and has not been identified as the cause of the virus increasing. But now that this lockdown has been enforced, there needs to be immediate and appropriate financial assistance directed to the hospitality sector in the Derry and Strabane Council area.

“We are calling for a meeting with the Finance Minister Conor Murphy to look at what urgent measure can be brought forward.”

“It is now time for everyone in our industry, our customers and the wider community to double down on their efforts to get the virus under control, curtail the spread, and ensure our industry reopens in two weeks’ time.”