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It will soon be two years since the world was forced to get aquainted with Covid-19 and the extensive restrictions that followed but from tomorrow this will change. Many of the restrictions had already been relaxed in the past month or so but several such as the wearing of face masks, requirement for Covid Certificates and need to collect visitor data continued in some settings.
With the reduced threat from the Omicron variant of the virus, Health Minister Robin Swann today announced that all COVID-19 legal restrictions in Northern Ireland will be replaced by guidance from tomorrow February 15 2022 but has strongly emphasised the continuing need for caution and vigilance in relation to the virus. Ironically the Health Minister himself announced today that he had contracted the virus.
Minister Swann stated: “Today’s announcement follows consideration of legal advice from the Attorney General and consultation with all Ministerial colleagues. It moves our response against COVID into a new phase. With the reduced threat from the Omicron variant, we can move away from an emergency and legalistic framework to a new approach where making safer choices is embedded in our daily lives.
“That means all of us continuing to do our best to cut down risks of infection and transmission. It means looking after each other by following the public health guidance. It must always be remembered that taking unnecessary risks with COVID may affect people who are particularly vulnerable to the virus.
“So please do not jump the gun and start behaving as if the pandemic is over. That is not the case.
“While Omicron is less severe than previous strains of the virus, community transmission remains very high and hospital pressures significant. The most vulnerable as a result of underlying disease remain susceptible to severe illness and it is important that we all do what we can to protect them.”
The Minister continued: “Coronavirus is likely to stay with us in some form for some time. We cannot maintain emergency restrictions indefinitely. A large part of what we currently do to protect ourselves is already covered by guidance rather than regulations. This includes self-isolating when infected and taking lateral flow tests before meeting up with others. The guidance will continue to emphasise all the steps that we should keep taking to protect each other.
“I will, of course, keep the situation on regulations under ongoing and detailed review. We cannot rule out a new variant emerging down the line with new interventions being required. I very much hope that will not be the case.”
The Health Minister made today’s announcement having received the latest public health assessment from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser.
Minister Swann added: “The expectation from the public health assessments is that no significant rise in ICU occupancy is expected.
“While many people will very much welcome my decision on regulations, I know there will be concerns. Community transmission is still very high and our hospitals remain under severe pressure.
“A sustained effort to follow the public health guidance will help reduce infection numbers and support our health service.”
There are no plans at this stage for changes to the current arrangements for testing, contact tracing and isolation in Northern Ireland.
The importance of wearing face coverings in health and social care settings, on public transport and in enclosed indoor settings will continue to be strongly emphasised.
While COVID status certification will no longer be legally required in any settings, hospitality and entertainment venues will still be encouraged to use it. Vaccine certification will continue to be available to the public – including for those who need it for travel abroad to satisfy entry requirements of countries they are visiting.
The COVID restrictions that are being removed in law
Requirements in respect of shops:
- Risk assessment
- All reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission
Requirements in respect of theatres, concert halls, conference and exhibition centres and other indoor venues used for performance, conferences or exhibitions:
- Risk assessment
- All reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission
- Collection of visitor information
Requirements in respect of hospitality venues, including those outdoors under an occasional licence
- Risk assessment
- All reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission
- Collection of visitor information
Requirements in respect of tourist accommodation:
- Collection of visitor information
Requirements in respect of any organised indoor gathering over 15 or outdoor gathering over 30:
- Risk assessment
- All reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission
Requirements in respect of funerals and wakes
- Compliance with DoH Guidance on funerals
Requirements in respect of weddings and civil partnership ceremonies
- Collection of visitor information
- Restriction on meeting indoors at a private dwelling or at a rave (30+ people)
Requirements in respect of close contact services:
- Collection of visitor information
Requirement to wear a face covering in enclosed public areas of premises; restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs; public transport; driving instruction; close contact services
Requirement to use COVID Certification in nightclubs and indoor unseated gatherings of 500+
