THE Stormont Executive has not yet decided to take a decision on the reduction of social distancing guidelines.
Earlier, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told MPs that England would move to a ‘1 metre’ guidance in settings where 2 metres distancing is not possible from Saturday, July 4.
Health Minister Robin Swann said “it was an announcement for England” and Stormont ministers will take a decision appropriate for the North of Ireland when they meet on Thursday.
“Social distancing is a crucial tool in our fight against COVID-19,” he added.
The World Health Organisation has given guidance of one metre social distancing to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
But iF the Stormont Executive does not reduce social distancing to one metre by Friday, July 3, many businesses in the hospitality sector here say it would not be financially viable for them to carry on trading.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride told today’s Stormont press briefing said the scientific advice “remains unchanged” in relation to the social distancing guidelines here.
He acknowledged there has been much discussion and debate around 1m and 2m social distancing.
“Ministers will take on board many policy considerations in those finely balanced decisions, as to the health impact on reducing socially distancing verses the economic consequences of the current guidance on two metres,” Dr McBride said.
The chief medical officer said the executive has been clear that they will “keep this under constant review”, especially when we see rates of COVID-19 fall in the community.
Today, the Department of Health reported one further death from Coronavirus in the last 24 hours but no new positive tests for COVID-19.
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