Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WALLED CITY ON GUARD
» Derry & Strabane face new restrictions » Executive acts as infection rate soars
TOUGH lockdown rules have come into force in the Derry and Strabane council areas from today.
The measures are stricter than those applied across Northern Ireland on September 22, as coronavirus cases in the region have continued to escalate.
On Thursday, First Minister Arlene Foster said there was “an urgent situation” in the North West where the R rate for Covid-19 is 2 or higher.
The additional restrictions complement those imposed in Donegal since September 28.
Here is a full explanation of the restrictions in the region.
WHERE DO THE RULES APPLY?
■ Hospitality venues only open for takeaway, outdoor dining
■ Restrictions on weddings and funerals
■ No gatherings of more than 15
■ No organised indoor gatherings
■ Indoor sports limited to individual training
■ No exercise classes allowed
■ No spectators at sports
■ Libraries can operate a call and collect service
■ People being asked to work from home and avoid unnecessary travel
■ Hotels can only provide services to residents, and
■ Museums and cultural places shut. The leaders of the four main churches in the area also urged people across the region to do their bit to help reduce the spread of the virus.
Rev Donal Mckeown, Rev Tommy Bruce, Rev Richard Johnston and Right Reverend Andrew Forster said the public have the power to stop a second wave.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill said she understood many businesses in the area would be “sad and worried” at the new rules.
While, Jason Barr, an SDLP councillor in Strabane said it was “imperative” the Executive puts in place financial support.
He said: “I totally understand that is will be frustrating for many people and business owners but we need to work together as a community to bring these cases back down in the hope we can enjoy the Christmas we all so much want to have.” Elsewhere, First Minister Arlene Foster said “tougher penalties were coming” for those who continued to break the enforcement rules in place.
She added: “To those who ignore the law and who thumb their nose at the Executive and what we are trying to do - tougher penalties and enforcement is coming.”
Current enforcement penalties in place include £60 fixed penalty notice - £30 if paid in 14 days
Fines for subsequent offences can double each time to a maximum of