Following four longs days of discussion, the Executive have finally come to a number of decisions on the current ‘circuit breaker’.
The regulations, which were introduced on October 17 initially for a period of four weeks, has divided opinion on which should be relaxed and those which should be extended.
It’s understood that both the DUP, UUP and Alliance voted in favour, Sinn Fein against whilst the SDLP abstained the decision.
Monday’s meeting ended with the Executive calling for additional scientific evidence to be provided before making any decision that would have a further impact on the economy.
Health Minister Robin Swann failed to have the circuit breaker extended for a further two weeks after the DUP used a cross-party voting veto to vote down Minister Swann’s original proposal.
Me Swann’s second proposal this time reducing his extension from two weeks to just one was also vetoed despite receiving the majority in agreement.
The Executive has now agreed to the following measures in a plan proposed by Economy Minister Diana Dodds.
The current circuit breaker regulations are to remain in place for one additional week, with unlicensed premises and close contact businesses allowed to reopen from November 20.
Pubs and other licenced premises will, however, have to wait until November 27 to reopen.
