Infrastructure Minister says restrictions should be extended to rescue Christmas period

by Q Radio News

Stormont's Infrastructure Minister has called for the current coronavirus restrictions to be extended to "rescue the Christmas period". 

Nicola Mallon told the BBC she had come to the conclusion after evidence was presented to the executive.

The hospitality industry and close contact services have been closed since the 16th of October due to the latest measures and are due to end next Friday. 

Ms Mallon said families need to be together during the festive period and be together safely.

Speaking on the BBC's the view she said, "My view is that we should be extending the restrictions," said Ms Mallon, adding business needed to be supported.

"For me the focus here is on Christmas, families need to be together at Christmas, they need to be together safely."

"I would have been up for taking a decision [on Thursday]".

"Businesses, the hospitality sector, Christmas is their busiest time.

"We need to make sure they can be open at that time and that customers can be there spending their money safely."

Meanwhile, ministers expect to decide on the future for Northern Ireland’s locked down hospitality industry by Monday, Arlene Foster said.

Stormont’s Executive had a “comprehensive” discussion on Thursday about what measures may need to be introduced from November 13 when enhanced restrictions come to an end, she said.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the furlough scheme, which pays up to 80% of an employee’s wages, to March next year.

Mr Sunak has also announced £400 million in additional funding for the Stormont Executive to address Covid-19 challenges.

Health officials have recommended Northern Ireland’s shuttered pubs and restaurants should stay closed but no decision was taken at Stormont on Thursday.

Mrs Foster said: “Those discussions will continue and we will intensify our engagement with the hospitality sector representatives as we seek a safe and sustainable way forward for that industry.

“We want to be able to make announcements at the earliest possible opportunity to provide businesses with certainty and allow people to see the plan.”