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PUBS AND RESTAURANTS in north-west Northern Ireland face harsh new restrictions to curb the rising rates of the coronavirus spread, Stormont ministers said.
The city of Derry and the nearby city of Strabane together have one of the highest levels in the UK: 323 infected per 100,000 in the last seven days.
Hospitality businesses will be limited to takeout, delivery and outdoor food.
People will be urged to limit their use of public transport and work from home if possible, avoiding all “unnecessary travel” in or to and from the city of Derry and the Strabane council area.
Northern Ireland Prime Minister Arlene Foster said: “I recognize that this news will be a blow to business in the North West.”
Stormont ministers agreed to additional measures during a meeting today.
Bishops Gate Hotel in Londonderry which has temporarily closed after staff tested positive for the virus.
Source: Liam McBurney / PA
‘Devastating blow’
Restrictions have also been imposed in neighboring County Donegal after the rapid advance of the virus in recent weeks.
Colin Neill, CEO of the Hospitality Ulster pub and restaurant group, said it was a devastating blow.
“The imposition of more restrictions in addition to the strict rules that can be legally enforced will mean closure for many, as they will not be able to fulfill the requirement, such as outer space, and with the colder weather, this will no longer be feasible.
“Donegal placed in Level 3 status means that this entire northwestern area will indeed limp.”
Today, the Stormont Health Department announced another 259 cases of Covid-19. Two more deaths have been recorded.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood, who represents the Derry area, said: “If we’re honest, the cautious attitude we all took in the beginning has faded – people don’t always wear masks in stores, unnecessary travel has become routine and compliance is not as good as it should be.
The harsh truth is that unless people change their behavior immediately, we will lose more friends, neighbors, and family.
He asked for more official support for companies in the area.
“These restrictions will be challenging. People in our communities are naturally sociable, enterprising and active.
But they are absolutely necessary to ease the pressure on our healthcare service and to protect each other.
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“Derry and Strabane have shown that they can improve when necessary. Now it is needed again and I know that people will do everything they can ”.
Northern Irish households have been prohibited from mingling inside private homes.
Previously, additional measures were taken in Belfast and Ballymena in Co Antrim, after the rise in infections.
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