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Business Community Politics

What Support Will Be Available For Individuals Impacted By Restrictions? – UUP 

East Belfast Ulster Unionist Party MLA Andy Allen MBE has called on the Economy Minister to detail what support will be available for individuals such as DJs impacted by recent restrictions. Mr Allen said: “I have written to the Minister for the Economy on behalf of a number of DJs who have contacted me following […]

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Health

‘We Must Not Drop Our Guard on Omicron!’ – Swann

Health Minister Robin Swann has strongly warned against complacency over the COVID-19 Omicron variant. The Minister emphasised that Omicron poses a significant threat to health and social care services. The Omicron variant is now dominant in NI, accounting for a majority of new COVID-19 infections. The Minister said: “There remains a great deal of uncertainty about […]

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Business Health Politics

UUP Call on Economy Minister to Detail Support Offered to Businesses Affected by Covid Restrictions 

Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson Mike Nesbitt MLA has written to Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA asking for an urgent meeting to discuss financial support for businesses most affected by the latest Covid restrictions. Mike Nesbitt said: “It is frankly unacceptable that there is a significant pot of money lying idle in the Executive’s bank account while […]

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Health

Swann Announces Roll-Out of New COVID Treatments for High Risk Patients

Health Minister Robin Swann has announced the roll-out of new and effective treatments for COVID-19 patients who are most at risk of serious illness. The treatments, previously only available to hospitalised patients, are now authorised for use in non-hospitalised patients to reduce the risk of severe illness and death. The use of these novel drug […]

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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 […]