Northern Ireland ramps up Covid restrictions

The Northern Ireland executive has decided to ramp up Covid restrictions as ministers say that “Covid-19 has once again taken a firm grip across our society.”

 “Community transmission of the virus is increasing. Hospital admissions are rising and modelling indicates that admissions will increase further in the coming weeks,” a statement from Stormont’s leadership read today. “The clear advice from public health experts is that an intervention is now required.

“Our people – individuals, families, communities and businesses – have been through so much during this pandemic. Our collective aim is to reduce pressure on our hospitals while allowing our society and the economy to remain open as fully and safely as possible.

“That means we all need to take action to prevent a worsening of the situation that would potentially require more severe measures.”

Yesterday prime minister Boris Johnson told the annual conference of the CBI that while he is “concerned” about Covid, there is no evidence tighter restrictions are currently required.