Flouting stay at home order could results in £5,000 fine

By Rebecca Black, PA

Leaving home without a reasonable excuse could result in a £5,000 fine, Naomi Long has confirmed.

The Stormont justice minister said there is a long list of exceptions which includes necessary attendance at work, accessing goods from businesses which can legitimately open, accessing medical care and taking exercise.

A £200 fixed penalty notice can be issued for breaching this rule, which can reach £5,000 if the case goes to court.

“In addition, police will have the power to direct people to return to their home … and additionally have the power to remove a person to where they normally reside,” she told MLAs.

Ms Long emphasised that enforcement will remain a last resort, but she said there will be a higher police presence at places that present the greatest risk.

“The PSNI will continue to clamp down on house parties or businesses operating outside of the regulations because of the harm being done by these events,” she said.

She also said the public are advised to stay within 10 miles of their home to take exercise.

“This was a matter which the Executive considered very carefully. In some jurisdictions, steps have been taken to place in law a distance limit within which exercise must be taken. The Executive decided it was not proportionate to go down that route at this stage,” she said.

Earlier, Mark Lindsay, of the Police Federation, questioned whether officers had the power to cross the threshold of a residence.

Ulster Unionist MLA Mike Nesbitt deferred the query to Ms Long as she addressed the Assembly chamber on Wednesday.

“The health protection regulations as laid by the department of health gave those tasked with enforcement the power to take any actions necessary to enforce any legal restrictions and it is the view of the Executive that that includes the right of power of entry,” she told MLAs.

Meanwhile, Ms Long said there has been no change to the coronavirus restrictions in terms of protests.

She said that is already covered by the regulations which state that no more than 15 people should meet outdoors for any purpose.