Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Sunday 24°CMonday 16°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
BusinessCoronavirusDerry CityHealthLead Stories

Coronavirus: Businesses to reopen ahead of new restrictions

written by cassoscoop November 20, 2020
ShareTweet

Businesses across the North of Ireland such as cafes and hair salons are allowed to reopen after some of the Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the Stormont Executive last month ended on Friday.

But ministers have agreed that a new two-week so-called “circuit-break” lockdown will begin next Friday, November 27.

That will involve the closure of non-essential retail, close-contact services, restaurants, and churches apart from for weddings and funerals.

Schools remain open under the measures.

Derry has been in a second lockdown since Monday, October 5.

Ministers have also advised against household gatherings outside of support bubbles, and said people should work from home “if at all possible”.

Hotels and other accommodation providers can operate on a restricted basis, such as for work-related travel and for vulnerable people.

The restrictions have criticised by many businesses leaders, with the Stormont Executive being described as a “coalition government run by numbskulls” by the prominent hotelier Bill Wolsey.

Since the decision was made by the executive on Thursday evening, no ministers have been available for interview in spite of repeated requests from the BBC.

What are Northern Ireland’s new coronavirus restrictions?

Closure of all non-essential retail; Closure of close-contact services;

Hospitality only permitted to offer takeaway services;

All leisure and entertainment to close (including gyms and pools);

Off-licences can remain open to 8 pm;

Closure of places of worship (except for weddings and funerals);

Schools to stay open.

The Restrictions come into force at 00:01 am on Friday, November 27.

Health Minister Robin Swann had warned that without immediate action there could be a need for restrictions in December due to the pressures the coronavirus pandemic is placing on the health service.

The Executive’s chief scientific advisor Prof Ian Young said Northern Ireland’s R-rate – the average number of people that one infected person will pass the virus to – is “around one”.

In response to the measures to be imposed on November 27, Mr Swann said: “Without this further intervention there was a very real risk of our hospitals being overwhelmed in the run up to Christmas.

“All of us now have to work really hard to achieve a happier festive season.”

Colin Neill, the chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said the sector he represents has been “left with no trade, no hope and a huge amount of redundancies”.

The executive has said it will develop further financial support packages in the coming days.

On Thursday, it agreed that businesses which are allowed to reopen between 20-26 November but choose not to will be able to access funding.

Coronavirus: Businesses to reopen ahead of new restrictions was last modified: November 20th, 2020 by cassoscoop

Tags:
barbersbars restaurantscafeCEOColin NeillCoronavirus: Businesses to reopen ahead of new restrictionsDerry CityhairdressersHealth Minister Robin SwannHospitality Ulsterpubs
ShareTweet
cassoscoop

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Charles Dooher murder bid: Man arrested in...

24 hours ago

Man arrested in Derry over murder bid...

2 days ago

Man to face Derry court over cannabis...

2 days ago

Man arrested in Derry after 120 cannabis...

3 days ago

Derry Labour Market Partnership celebrate success of...

3 days ago

Savour the best of the North West...

3 days ago

Bin collections and Recycling Centres operate as...

3 days ago

Finance Minister visits sites of Derry Strabane...

3 days ago

Durkan: We need to get serious about...

3 days ago

Police appeal over children playing in derelict...

3 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Man to face Derry court over cannabis plants seizure

    July 11, 2025
  • Man charged to court over Derry drugs seizure

    July 6, 2025
  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy