Coronavirus: These are all the new COVID-19 regulations people in Derry and Strabane must now follow

The new restrictions were announced by First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill.

The Derry and Strabane council area has one of the highest infection rates on the entire island of Ireland - it is currently at 323 per 100,000 of the population.

Hospitality businesses are to be confined to takeaway, delivery and outdoor dining.

Everyone who can work from home in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area should now do so.

The measures will remain in place for at least two weeks and will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

People are also being asked to limit the use of public transport and where possible walk, cycle or use a private vehicle.

The Executive is also asking everyone in the area to limit their movements and to stop all but essential travel.

People outside of Derry and Strabane are being asked not to travel to the area.

Other measures include:

- Hotel services will be limited to residents and funeral and wedding events.

- Indoor sports training will be restricted to individuals only;

- Sports fixtures will be held without spectators;

- No exercise classes;

- A maximum of 15 will be able to gather anywhere in the affected area outdoors.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I recognise that this news will come as a hammer blow to businesses in the north west.”

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood, who represents the Derry area, said: “If we’re honest, the cautious attitude we all took at the start has slipped – people aren’t always wearing face masks in shops, unnecessary journeys have become routine again and compliance is not as good as it should be.

“The hard truth is that unless people change their behaviour immediately, we’re going to lose more friends, neighbours and family members.”

He called for more official support for businesses in the area.

“These restrictions will be challenging. People in our communities are naturally sociable, entrepreneurial and active.

“But they are absolutely necessary to relieve pressure on our health service and protect each other.

“Derry and Strabane has shown that it can step up when needed. It is now needed again and I know that people will do all that they can.”