Q Radio News/PA
Stormont ministers have agreed that nightclubs in Northern Ireland will close from Boxing Day.
It comes on the same day that the region recorded its highest daily increase in case numbers of coronavirus.
Some 3,231 new cases of the virus were confirmed in the region on Wednesday, a jump from 2,096 cases recorded on Tuesday.
The latest Covid-19 figures just issued by the Department of Health show three deaths and an increase to 3,231 new cases in Northern Ireland in the past 24 hours. It's the highest daily number recorded here. pic.twitter.com/m761gg6vNW
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 22, 2021
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said nightclubs will be closed from 6am on December 26.
The move to close nightclubs was agreed at a virtual meeting of the powersharing Executive on Wednesday as ministers discussed how to respond to the Omicron variant.
🎥 From 27 December, people here are being asked to limit socialising to a maximum of three households at a time. Stormont is also strengthening guidance to work from home and is encouraging regular workplace testing. @moneillsf👇 pic.twitter.com/bVsnkVaB92
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 22, 2021
Ministers also agreed that sporting events can continue with no limits on capacity, while the work from home message will be bolstered and legislation introduced to require social distancing in offices and similar typed workplaces.
Employers will be encouraged to introduce lateral flow testing procedures for people who are still coming into work.
People attending large events will be urged to wear face masks, take lateral flow tests and not car share to or from the venues.
While nightclubs must close, other restrictions are coming into effect on the rest of the hospitality sector. People must remain seated for table service while table numbers will be limited to six.
Dancing will also be prohibited from December 26.
Weddings are exempted from the latest measures.
STORMONT UPDATE
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 22, 2021
It's understood measures agreed by the Executive today, as well as nightclubs closing, include👇#COVID19 #Omicron pic.twitter.com/KpYTiJ2gEf
The jump in infection numbers is the highest increase reported in Northern Ireland for a 24-hour period since Covid reporting began in April 2020.
The figures come amid stark warnings of soaring infection rates when the Omicron variant takes hold in the region.
The death of three patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 were also notified by the Department of Health on Wednesday.
On Wednesday morning, there were 261 Covid-positive patients in hospital, of whom 34 were in intensive care.
Meanwhile, pregnant women of all ages, including those aged under 18, are being urged to come forward for vaccination if they have not already done so.
This follows the latest review of evidence by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), who now advise that pregnant women of any age should be considered as a clinical risk group and should be prioritised for vaccination.
Pregnant women of any age can receive their vaccination at a Health and Social Care Trust vaccination hub. Information on vaccination clinics is available on Trust websites.
Pregnant women over the age of 18 can also get their vaccination from participating local pharmacies.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill, First Minister Paul Givan and health minister Robin Swann
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