Stormont ministers meet today to discuss proposals to help reduce coronavirus cases

By Q Radio News/PA

Stormont ministers will meet today to discuss the latest proposals on how to help reduce the rise in Coronavirus cases in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health has warned that unless cases decrease significantly in the next three weeks, then more "severe" restrictions could be required before Christmas.

Among the issues ministers will discuss are face coverings/working from home and putting scores on the doors when it comes to compliance rating for businesses.

Mandatory vaccine passports in Northern Ireland have already been backed by Stormont ministers despite DUP opposition.

The move originally proposed by Health Minister Robin Swann will see legal enforcement of Covid-19 certification entry requirements for nightclubs, bars, restaurants and a range of other settings from December 13.

Stormont ministers meet today to discuss proposals to help reduce coronavirus cases.https://t.co/GypAbkgdNs

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) November 22, 2021

While the DUP voted against the vaccine passport proposal, the party did not deploy a cross-community voting mechanism that could have blocked the introduction of certification in the region.

However, the DUP has called for a vote in the Assembly before the policy is introduced.

Previous Executive decisions on Covid-19 rules, including lockdowns, have been subject to retrospective votes in the chamber, usually weeks after the measures have been rolled out.

Under Mr Swann’s plan, people wishing to gain entry to designated venues would need to demonstrate evidence of Covid-19 vaccination, a negative lateral flow test result, or proof of a coronavirus infection within the previous six months.

Mr Swann wants the regulations needed for the law change to come into effect on November 29, with a 14-day grace period prior to becoming enforceable on December 13.

Non-compliant venues could be hit with a £1,000 fine.

Mr Swann is now set to draw up a package of others measures to help increase compliance with current coronavirus rules and guidance and drive up vaccination rates. 

The Health Minister said he was trying to avoid the need for more severe restrictions later in the winter.

“Our Covid numbers are too high and we need to forcibly push them down,” he said.

“Our health and social care system is under severe stress. We have to act.”

Mr Swann’s proposals come amid escalating pressures on the region’s beleaguered health system.

Covid-19 transmission rates have soared in recent weeks, particularly among young people.

(Health minister Robin Swann)