As the Northern Ireland public wakes this morning, new tougher restrictions have come into effect in an attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across the province.
The legislation means that a stay at home order is now in law, which prevents individuals from leaving their homes or intending to do so for non-essential purposes and without a ‘reasonable excuse’.
These include attending your workplace when it can’t be done from home, care & medical needs and for food requirements.
Enforcement powers will allow the Police to either send individuals home or issue a fine of £200 to those found in breach of the new restrictions, increased up to £5,000 if the case goes to court.
Other restrictions in place:
- Private garden gatherings – maximum of six people from one household or support bubble only, with children under 12 counting towards the permitted total.
- Gatherings reduced to maximum of six people from two households. Children under 12 are now counted towards the permitted total.
- Outdoor exercise permitted with one person from another household – to allow, for example, those living alone to go for a walk with a friend.
This will remain in place until February 6 BUT will be reviewed on January 21.
