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Business Health Politics

Executive Adds to Burden on Business – TUV

TUV Leader Jim Allister has slammed the NI Executives recent announcement of Covid 19 restrictions stating that it adds more pressure to businesses who have already been decimated by Covid 19. Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:- “The recent announcement on Covid restrictions by the Executive before Christmas adds to the burden placed on businesses. […]

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Health

Alliance Party Calls for Door to Door Vaccine Teams

Alliance Party Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has called for the Department of Health to consider door to door calls to encourage the public to get vaccinated. Mrs Bradshaw also indicated that this effort has been successful in England and would certainly help those in Northern Ireland who are struggling to get their vaccine. Speaking […]

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Health

Covid Isolation Reduced From 10 Days to 7 Days

The Executive has agreed that the current package of COVID-19 measures remains a proportionate response to the Omicron variant at this time. While the situation remains under continuous review, the Executive has agreed not to introduce additional restrictions following its latest considerations. The Executive also discussed self-isolation requirements and the proposal by the Health Minister […]

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Health

“Make this New Year’s Eve as safe as possible!” – Swann

Health Minister Robin Swann has urged the public to make this New Year’s Eve as safe as possible by following health guidance and advice. “Traditionally this is a time when we look forward with hope and optimism. This year we will do the same but that must be tempered by continued caution and awareness that […]

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Business

Executive Announces £40 Million Support for Hospitality Sector

The Executive has today agreed a £40 million support package for businesses in the hospitality sector. Over 3,200 businesses will be eligible for a one-off grant under the Omicron Hospitality Payment. The amounts will be as follows: £10,000 for businesses with a rateable value up to £15,000£15,000 for businesses with a rateable value between £15,001 […]

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Health

Omicron Variant Up to 70% Less Severe

Those who catch the Covid 19 variant known as Omicron are 50% to 70% less likely to need hospital care according to a new study. The report comes from data obtained in South Africa, Denmark, England and Scotland which all recorded reduced severity of the Omicron variant. According to the BBC, the UK Health Security […]

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Health Politics

NI Executive Has Announced New Covid 19 Restrictions

The Northern Ireland Executive have decided the following restrictions relating to Covid 19. Nightclubs to close at 06:00 on 26 December  All indoor standing events prohibited on 26th December No dancing in hospitality from 06:00 on 26 December – (won’t apply to weddings) Rule of six and table service only returns in hospitality on 27th […]

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Health

‘Looking After Our Mental Health and Wellbeing is Vital’ – Health Minister

Health Minister Robin Swann is again urging people to look after their mental health and wellbeing. The Health Minister said: “The impact and experience of the Covid-19 pandemic has been different for everyone, but there’s no doubt it continues to be a difficult time for everyone. The pandemic has caused uncertainty and complicated our daily lives and routines and added to […]

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Health Politics

Mallon Calls on British Government to Provide Greater International Vaccine Support

SDLP Minister and Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon has today written to the Secretary of State for Health after reports that the British Government has purchased 114 million more doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to call for support for communities across the globe in the fight against covid-19. Ms Mallon said: “While it is absolutely […]

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Health

Swann Welcomes Certification Decision

A range of sustained actions are needed to drive down Northern Ireland’s Covid-19 infection rate, Health Minister Robin Swann has emphasised. Welcoming the Executive’s decision to introduce Covid certification for hospitality settings, the Minister said: “Certification must be seen as one piece in a jigsaw of required measures. Other measures include significantly increased use of face […]

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Education Politics

Aontu Disappointed at Failure to Prevent Staff Shortage and High Rate of School Absence

Aontú Education Spokesperson expresses frustration and disappointment at failure to act in order to prevent the current staff shortage and high rate of school absence, which have led to pleading for all available staff and calls for Circuit Breakers. “At the beginning of September, principals and school staff found themselves swamped with administrations of contact […]

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Health Lurgan

Mackle Welcomes Booster Extension to 18-36 Age Group

Sinn Féin ABC councillor Liam Mackle has welcomed the JCVI recommendation to extend the booster vaccines to the 18 to 39-year-old age group. Cllr Mackle said: “Monday’s announcement that the booster vaccine programme has been extended to include younger people is very welcome . “The COVID booster vaccination has been shown to be highly effective […]