Papers to be brought on stay at home regulations, travel restrictions and remote learning

The Executive met on Monday evening to discuss the concerning progression of the COVID-19 pandemic across the north.

While stricter lockdown measures were introduced in the north from December 26 for a period of six weeks case numbers have risen rapidly over the Christmas period.

Last night the Executive discussed what additional measures are necessary given the very high levels of virus transmission within the community and the impending pressure on the hospital system from the large numbers of cases.

"The Executive agreed that it will move to put staying at home into regulations and a paper will be brought to the Executive tomorrow setting out the detail, including restrictions on travel.

"Ministers have also indicated that there will be an extended period of remote learning for schools and the Education Minister will bring forward a paper tomorrow on this issue.

"The Executive will consider further advice from the Department of Health setting out the public health situation and future implications, and Ministers will update the Assembly on Wednesday on the decisions they reach at tomorrow’s meeting," a joint statement indicated.