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Border counties could move to Level 4 restrictions after confirmation that Northern Ireland will enter a new lockdown for four weeks.
Northern Prime Minister Arlene Foster confirmed at the Stormont Assembly Wednesday morning that the hospitality sector will close for four weeks starting Friday, while schools will close for two weeks starting Monday.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) is understood to have been in contact with the Government in recent days regarding the possibility of a rapid move to Level 4 for border counties in an attempt to limit cross-border infections.
Nphet meets Thursday to discuss the pandemic and the latest wave of infection in the Republic. Here’s what Level 4 would entail if it were introduced:
Can I travel outside of my county?
You cannot leave your county other than work, education, and other essential purposes. At Level 4, the advice is that only essential or other designated workers should go to work.
Can I have visitors to my home?
No. You are not allowed to have visitors to your home or garden below Level 4. Nor should social or family gatherings take place in other settings.
Are meetings organized indoors or outdoors, such as conferences, theater events, or other arts events allowed?
Organized meetings should not take place indoors. Outdoor meetings of up to 15 people can be held.
Museums, galleries and other cultural attractions are closed on level 4.
And the weddings?
Up to six guests can attend a wedding ceremony and reception.
Can mass still be celebrated?
Religious services will be held online, while places of worship will remain open for private prayer.
Does this mean that funerals cannot be held?
Funerals can still take place with a maximum of 25 mourners.
What about sports or games?
Non-contact outdoor training can take place, but only in groups of up to 15. In indoor terms, there should only be individual training. You cannot take exercise or dance classes.
Nor can matches or events be held. There is an exemption for professional and elite / inter-county / horse racing sports, with matches and events allowed behind closed doors.
Can gyms stay open?
?
No. Gyms, leisure centers and swimming pools close below level 4.
What about pubs and restaurants?
Bars, cafes and restaurants, including those in hotels, may offer take-out or home delivery. There will be no indoor dining room with outdoor dining limited to a maximum of 15 people.
In terms of wet pubs, you are limited to a maximum of 15 people outdoors.
Nightclubs, discos and casinos will be closed.
What about hotels and similar accommodations?
These can remain open only to existing guests and those with “essential non-social and non-tourist purposes”.
Are the points of sale and hairdressers / barbers open?
Essential shops and stores that are primarily outdoors can remain open and face covers should continue to be used. All other personal and retail services are closed.
Will schools and daycare centers stay open?
Schools and nurseries will remain open with protective measures. In addition, adult and higher education primarily moves in line with adequate protective measures for essential on-site assistance.
Do the over 70s and medically vulnerable people have to take shelter?
People over 70 and medically vulnerable people must judge the extent to which they engage with others and in activities outside the home. Specific guidance on these groups will also be issued.
Can I visit a family member in a nursing home?
Visits to long-term residential care facilities are suspended at Level 4, in addition to “critical and compassionate circumstances”.
What about public transport?
Face shields must continue to be worn on public transportation. People should only use public transportation if they are essential workers or only for essential purposes. People are advised to walk or bike whenever possible. Public transportation capacity will be limited to 25 percent.
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