No further Covid-19 restrictions following Stormont Executive meeting

Q Radio News/PA

No further Covid-19 restrictions are set to be imposed in Northern Ireland at this stage, Paul Givan has said.

The First Minister was speaking following a virtual meeting of the Stormont Executive on Thursday.

He said ministers agreed that no further restrictions should be introduced at this time.

The Executive will continue to assess the data as more information emerges, Mr Givan added in a tweet after the meeting.

FM Paul Givan after virtual meeting: "The NI Executive has agreed no further restrictions at this time. We will continue to assess the data as more info emerges and meet again on 6th January. Thank you for following the health advice and helping us through this challenging time." pic.twitter.com/95t65NmzOV

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 30, 2021

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots tweeted that the self-isolation period for confirmed Covid-19 cases will be reduced in Northern Ireland from 10 days to seven in line with England.

He added that two clear PCR tests will be required.

Ministers are to meet again on January 6.

On Thursday they heard that the Omicron variant was estimated to be accounting for 90% of cases in the region.

Department of Health modelling data seen by the PA news agency, which was presented to ministers, indicated that while the Delta variant was expected to gradually decline, a “more modest Delta epidemic” could persist in parallel with a larger Omicron outbreak.

It set out that a peak in numbers would occur in early to mid-January/early February, with hospital admissions and occupancy peaking in late January/early February.

The extent of the peak would depend on the severity of illness with Omicron.

Officials were said to be closely monitoring data emerging from Northern Ireland, as well as the experience in England and Scotland.

DFM Michelle O'Neill: "Executive met today to discuss latest COVID-19 developments. Virus is spreading rapidly with Omicron accounting for 90%+ of cases. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. Please take up the booster, limit your contacts with others & stay safe..." pic.twitter.com/6w8I35CeN9

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 30, 2021

Ministers were told that if Omicron was associated with illness as severe as Delta, “significant intervention” would be required to keep hospital inpatient numbers at less than 1,000.

But if the severity of Omicron was substantially reduced from that seen with Delta, close to an 80% reduction, current measures could be sufficient.

The latest restrictions, which came into effect on Monday, include table service only in bars and restaurants, two-metre social distancing in offices, the closure of nightclubs and a ban on dancing at hospitality venues, with the exception of weddings.

Under the new measures, people are also being asked to limit their social contacts, with the public being advised that only three households should mix together in a private home.

Last week, ministers agreed a £40 million grant scheme to support hospitality businesses affected by the latest Covid-19 restrictions.

First Minister Paul Givan