Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
MASK UP FROM MONDAY
» Executive acts after rise in cases » Pubs stay closed as pupils return
SHOPPERS must wear face masks from Monday as the Executive moved to stop a resurgence of Covid-19.
Ministers acted after health chiefs reported 43 new coronavirus cases and 11 active clusters in Northern Ireland.
Reopening of drinks-only pubs has been delayed, although all pupils are expected back in school by the end of this month.
Health Minister Robin Swann warned:
“If anyone still thinks Covid-19 is going to fade away, let them think again.
“We must all do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus.”
FACE masks will be compulsory in all enclosed public spaces from Monday, the Northern Ireland Executive said yesterday.
The reopening of drinksonly – or wet pubs as they are known – has also been paused and may not happen until September.
The Executive met to discuss the latest deveop- ments in the fight against the virus, which has claimed at least 556 lives in Northern Ireland.
Education Minister Peter Weir also submitted his new paper on schools reopening.
It was decided there will be a full return to the classroom for all pupils by the end of August, with revised guidance being issued to schools next week.
The Executive also agreed spectators will be allowed at indoors events from Monday (August 10) and that theatres and concert halls can open on a restricted basis from Saturday (August 8) for the purpose of rehearsals.
An indicative date of September 1 has been given for the return of audiences with appropriate mitigations.
An Executive spokesperson said: “Ministers are urging the public to do the right thing and wear a face covering for the good of everyone. We have a collective duty and a personal responsibility to protect each other, and everyone who can wear a face covering should do so.
DEFENCE
“It should not be viewed as an optional extra; it is a vital defence in our ongoing battle against Covid-19.
“Face coverings should be worn in shops and other enclosed spaces and no one should delay adopting this crucial measure. It will help to protect you and others.
“We all must do everything possible to limit the transmission of Covid-19.
“As well as wearing a face covering, everyone should continue to practise social distancing, wash your hands well and often, have good respiratory hygiene and avoid touching your face.
“We also urge as many people as possible to download the STOPCOVID NI app.”
First Minister Arlene Foster also
agreed to pause the reopening of pubs in Northern Ireland until next month because of concern around the level of community transmission and the prioritisation of the reopening of schools.
She said: “We have set a new indicative date of September 1 [ for pubs].
“We have decided to make face masks mandatory in enclosed spaces where you can’t social distance from Monday. Retail workers will not have to wear masks, it’s those people coming in to the shops that we are asking to wear masks.
“It’s about trying to give confidence to people who feel vulnerable and maybe have been shielding and we are asking the public to work with us and listen to what we are asking them to do.
“The Deputy First Minister and I have agreed to set up a high street task force, and that’s to deal with the real issues facing our high streets. We recognise there is a number of ongoing issues and upcoming issues that will challenge our high street and we want to engage with that sector and deal with those challenges.
RESTRICTED
“Theatre and concert halls can open on a restricted basis from August 8, with an indicative date of September 1 for the return of audiences.
“We are going to permit spectators to be present at indoor sporting venues from August 10 but we have also said that further work is needed to risk assess the reopening of soft play areas and other venues.”
Hospitality Ulster has slammed the decision on wet pubs.
Chief executive Colin Neill said: “It is devastating news that the reopening of traditional non-food pubs has been pushed back, despite the rest of the hospitality sector reopening safely, albeit at reduced capacity.
“The safety measures agreed by government and implemented by our members will help to reduce the spread of the virus – not the pie and chips you are currently required to have with your pint.
“Non-food pubs can operate under the same safety measures as food-let premises. If the Executive are concerned about compliance they should, as we have repeatedly suggested, take the powers to close anyone that blatantly ignores the guidance – not keep everyone closed, just in case.
“Some people speed, but we don’t stop everyone else from driving.”
Health Minister Robin Swann warned the 43 new Covid-19 cases yesterday provided a “wake-up call for the complacent”.
He said: “This figure underlines the fact the threat from the virus remains very real.
“If anyone still thinks Covid-19 is just going to fade away, let them think again.
“We must all do everything we can to stop the spread of this virus.”
It should not be viewed as an optional extra
SPOKESMAN FOR NI EXECUTIVE ON MASKS
We are asking the public to work with us
ARLENE FOSTER ON THE NEW MEASURES
MASKS will be mandatory in all public spaces in Northern Ireland from Monday in a bid to fight the spread of Covid-19.
It will cause controversy as some people may feel aggrieved at what they see as an infringement of their human rights. Others claim masks are ineffective.
But if it cuts the amount of virus in the atmosphere by even a small percentage then it will be worthwhile.
Think of the shopkeepers and staff dealing with customers. Surely it’s just good manners to cover your mouths and do your bit...