Fresh lockdown in Noerth for a further six weeks
As reported here earlier, the lockdown will be extended to Holy Thursday, April 1.
A further review of the new date will take place on March 18 to see what the rate is at that date and whether infections have been driven to down to allow a lifting of some restrictions.
From next Monday, March, 22, up to ten people from two households can now meet outdoors.
The Executive has also decided that from March 22, exam pupils in the North of Ireland will return to school.
Pre-school, nursery and primary school pupils P1 to P3 will return to full-time face-to-face teaching from March 8.
Education Minister Peter Weir also said students in years 12 to 14, who will be awarded qualifications this summer will return to face-to-face teaching from Mar 22
At press briefing this afternoon, First Minister Arlene Foster said: “”We know from experience what looks like success is also hard won but also fragile.”
The DUP leader says the Kent variant of the virus is likely to make up to 70 per cent of Coronavirus cases at present now in the North of Ireland.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy warns against planning for Easter ahead of the next review of restrictions due on March 18.
He says it’s always been a priority to get children back in school – but is unable to confirm when a full return will happen.
“There will be a review on 18th March but I think the way the advice has been given today, all the numbers are going in the right direction but at a very gradual pace,” he said.
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