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Stormont Prime Minister Arlene Foster has announced new Covid-19 restrictions for the greater Belfast, Ballymena and Lisburn area.
At a press conference, Ms. Foster said: “There are areas where the spread is of particular concern, where cases are double or triple the average rate for the province.”
There will be no “mixing of homes in private homes,” however, those with childcare and other caregiving responsibilities will be exempt.
No more than six people from two households can gather in the gardens.
Ms. Foster added: “What we are proposing today is a proportionate and measured approach to specific (circumstances) that currently exist in identified areas.”
He urged people to take action now to “protect themselves and others.”
The measures will be in effect for at least the next two weeks.
Despite the new restrictions, pubs that don’t serve food will also be able to open from September 21.
Ms Foster said that the spread of Covid-19 was happening in homes and affecting more older people.
“It is a serious situation, but we must also ensure that our economy continues to flourish.”
Ms. Foster was joined by Ms. O’Neill at their first joint briefing since a disagreement regarding Ms. O’Neill’s attendance at Bobby Storey’s funeral.
Speaking at the briefing, Ms O’Neill said: “I am glad that we are here on this platform today at a crucial time in the fight against Covid-19.
“We need to chart our way through what is going to be a very difficult winter.”
Earlier, Ms. O’Neill acknowledged that her attendance at the funeral undermined public health messages.
Speaking to RTÉ he said: “It was not my intention for this to happen, but it happened, I accept it and I regret that it is so.
“I accept that we have not been able to deliver clear messages in the format that was the practice prior to this controversy.”
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