Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
GRIM & BARE IT..
» Remote learning for children until mid-term break » Police given the power to enforce stay at home rule » Reduction in the number of people who can meet up
THE Executive last night released details of its “package of additional restrictions” aimed at tackling soaring levels of Covid-19.
The measures include the extension of remote learning for children until next month’s mid-term break.
Enhanced rules were also agreed in a bid to limit contacts between individuals in domestic settings and prevent people from leaving home without a “reasonable excuse”.
Among the additional restrictions are: 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 toward s the permitted total, and ■ Outdoor exercise permitted with one person from another household – allowing those living alone to go for a walk with a friend. The regulations will be introduced from midnight tomorrow but the Executive has asked the public to “act as if they are already in place”.
A statement added: “These restrictions will be in place until February 6 and will be reviewed on January 21.
“The Executive also agreed Junior Ministers will meet with the Faith Leaders’ Forum as soon as possible to discuss the option of all services moving online until February 6.
“Regulations will be introduced so that no one can leave their home without a reasonable excuse and the PSNI will have the enforcement powers to order individuals home if engaging in prohibited activity, or if they are intending to do so. This will
be similar to legislation in place during the f irst lockdown, with exemptions adapted to take account of those activities currently not permitted under the current restrictions. The full list of exemptions will be detailed in the regulations, which are currently being drafted.”
Education Minister Peter Weir said pre-school education settings, primary and post-primary schools will be required to provide remote learning to pupils until the half-term break in mid-february.
On public examinations, he added his priority has always been to ensure that, if at all possible, exams should go ahead as planned. He said: “My overriding aim is ensure our students are not disadvantaged in terms of their qualifications compared with other jurisdictions.
“Work is ongoing on this issue as a matter of urgency and I intend to provide further clarity in the next couple of days. Until and unless any announcement is made, students should expect to continue to sit scheduled examinations.”
Fi r st Mi n i st e r Arl e n e Fo st e r revealed discussions on exams are ongoing with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, with a decision to be made by tomorrow.
Mrs Foster said rising coronavirus cases and hospital admissions were causing “grave concern”. Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill added the decision to close schools was a ref lection “on how serious th e situation is”.
She said childcare and special education schools are to remain open.
Ms O’neill added: “The message will be stay at home. This will provide additional powers to the PSNI, for example to be able to return people to their homes when they actually come out for reasons that are not allowed under the reasons that you can actually leave your home.”
Economy Minister Diane Dodds issued a statement on upcoming vocational qualification exams and assessments.
She said: “In conjunction with my ministerial colleagues in England and Wales we have agreed further flexibilities will be put in place for the January exams and assessments, particularly in relation to BTECS.
“Learning centres, including further education colleges, schools and training providers, will be afforded additional discretion to determine whether it is appropriate for learners to sit the scheduled BTEC exams in January, taking into consideration a range of factors including health and safety and personal circumstances.”