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A MEETING OF THE Stormont executive has reconvened to consider easing the coronavirus restrictions in Northern Ireland.
The ministers of the executive distribution of power postponed today’s meeting to seek more data on the likely impact of the relaxation of some restrictions, including the reopening of restaurants without sale of alcohol.
A four-week lockdown due to a circuit break that has forced the closure of much of the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland will end on Thursday.
With hospitals still under sustained pressure to deal with Covid-19 admissions, ministers are ready to extend some of the restrictions for two more weeks.
However, they are considering relaxing some measures. It is understood that they could allow the reopening of cafes and restaurants, but without the sale of alcohol.
Representatives of the hotel sector have criticized that suggestion, insisting that the impossibility of selling alcohol would make the trade unviable.
Belfast’s leading restaurateur Michael Deane called the proposal “crazy.”
“Where does that leave us to go?” I ask. “Absolutely devastating and I think it’s criminal, I think it’s absolutely stupid.”
Other critics of the measures being considered by the DUP / Sinn Fein-led coalition include DUP MP Ian Paisley.
He accused the executive of making decisions by “optics”, so that the administration looks good.
Paisley questioned the evidentiary basis for claiming that banning alcohol in restaurants would reduce infection rates.
“It’s like saying you can open a hairdresser but you can’t use a comb,” he told the BBC.
“Seriously, what is the evidence for that?”
It is understood that the executive is also considering extending the closure of pubs that do not sell food for two more weeks.
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Ministers are also evaluating whether close contact services such as hairdressers and estheticians could be allowed to resume, provided strict restrictions are observed.
At the remote executive meeting on Monday, which lasted about an hour and 20 minutes, the ministers called for a more in-depth analysis of these proposals.
It is understood that the medical director, Dr. Michael McBride, and the chief scientific advisor, Professor Ian Young, worked to gather evidence related to the specific movements.
The ministers met again tonight to consider the information.
It is understood that any decision will be announced in the Assembly room by Prime Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy Prime Minister Michelle O’Neill.
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