Executive take new measures to limit spread of latest Covid variant

The Executive has this evening agreed a package of measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. Some of the new measures take effect from St Stephens Day while others are from Monday.

While there are still some uncertainties about the full impact of this new variant, from the evidence available it is expected that the infection rate here will rise sharply in the coming days and weeks.  Omicron is now the dominant strain in new cases reported daily.

The Executive believe the scale of infection and the rate of transmission will be extremely challenging and will result in significant pressures in hospitals, the Health and Social Care system and the wider workforce. An intervention is therefore required alongside the vitally important booster vaccine programme.

The Measures

From 06:00 on 26 December:

• Nightclubs will close.
• Dancing in all hospitality venues will not be allowed.  (Does not apply to weddings or civil partnership celebrations)
• All indoor standing events will not be allowed.

From 06:00 on 27 December:

• It is strongly recommended that household mixing should be reduced to a maximum of 3 households.
• There will be a legal requirement for businesses to take reasonable measures to achieve 2m social distancing in office spaces or, where this cannot be achieved, to provide alternative mitigations.
• It is strongly recommended that you should work from home where possible and where that is not possible that there should be regular workplace testing.
• There will be a statutory duty on businesses to take reasonable measures to promote compliance with face coverings requirements, with a grace period until 7 January before enforcement is implemented.
• The exemption of wearing a face covering where it causes severe stress will be removed and the onus of proving an exemption on medical grounds will be on the individual, with a grace period until 7 January before enforcement is implemented.
• There will be a legal duty on businesses to take all reasonable steps to minimize transmission of the spread of the virus, with a grace period until 7 January before enforcement is implemented.
• You will be required to be seated in all indoor hospitality settings with a maximum of 6 people, or 10 people from a single household, allowed at a table.  (Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total. This requirement does not apply to weddings or civil partnership celebrations.)
• Indoor seated and all outdoor events can proceed and it is strongly recommended that face coverings should be worn, LFD tests should be taken before attending events and there should be no multi-household travel in the same vehicle.

The Executive statement said "This package of measures has been informed by medical and scientific advice, based on the best evidence we have available at this time.  It also takes into account wider economic and societal impacts.

"We recognise the enormous strain being felt by businesses throughout this difficult period, including the hospitality sector and its workers.

"The Executive is currently developing a financial support package based on the circumstances and challenges facing businesses. The Executive will be reconvening next week and will take into account any further interventions that may be required.

"All measures will be kept under regular review in light of the public health situation and the most up to date data."

The statement continued "Given the unpredictability of the Omicron variant at this time, the Executive and our officials continue to plan for different scenarios so that we are in a position to respond rapidly to the emerging evidence should further steps be needed.

"The availability of necessary funding to resource plans is crucial. The Executive will continue to press Treasury for adequate financial support and the reintroduction of the furlough scheme to support workers and businesses should this be required.

"We cannot emphasise strongly enough that we all have a part to play in stemming the spread of Omicron."

Vaccination

The Executive statement adds "Getting vaccinated and taking up the booster is a vital defence against both transmission and serious disease. The Executive has put on record its appreciation of the healthcare teams in the vaccination centres, GP practices and local pharmacies for once again stepping up and delivering record numbers of jabs in recent days.

"All Ministers are fully aware of the impact COVID-19 has had on families who have sacrificed so much over the past 20 months to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

"The Christmas holidays are a time for families and we ask that everyone does all they can to protect their loved ones.

"In particular, everyone should take a lateral flow test before meeting someone from another household. If you are travelling over the holidays, you should take a test before starting your journey."

Steps you can take to curb the spread of Covid

• Get your first and second vaccine doses, and get your booster;
• Work from home if possible;
• Limit your social contacts;
• Meet outdoors when possible;
• If meeting indoors, make sure the rooms are well ventilated;
• Wear a face covering in crowded indoor spaces;
• Take a lateral flow test before meeting others; and
• Practice good hand and respiratory hygiene.