COVID-19: Northern Ireland ‘Circuit Breaker’ Lockout Extended Following Deadline Confusion | UK News



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The Northern Ireland circuit breaker lockout has been extended for a week, and the hotel industry will partially reopen next Friday.

Close contact services, such as barbers, beauty salons, and driving classes, may reopen on November 20 by appointment only.

Cafes and coffee shops can open the same day, with restricted hours at 8 pm.

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All other sections of the hospitality industry, such as hotels, pubs and bars, can reopen on November 27.

Democratic Unionists and ministers from smaller parties backed the proposal by Economy Minister Diane Dodds.

Sinn Fein voted against and the nationalist SDLP abstained.

Sky News senior correspondent in Ireland David Blevins said: “The good news is that they have finally made a decision after four days of bickering.”

Before the announcement, it emerged that the political parties had been working on the wrong deadline.

The restrictions were apparently supposed to end at midnight tonight, but ministers found that they don’t expire until midnight tomorrow.

Sam McBride, political editor of the Belfast The newsletter previously tweeted: “A breakthrough for anyone planning to reopen tomorrow, cannot, even if ministers have not agreed to new restrictions.

Friends observe social distancing as they meet on the outskirts of Stormont in Belfast, Northern Ireland
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The decision was made after four days of bickering at Stormont.

“The executive has just confirmed to me that the current regulations do not expire at midnight tonight, as senior politicians have said, but 24 hours later.”

In a sentence, North IrelandThe Health Department previously said: “Executive ministers received legal advice last night that the deadline for the current restrictions on hospitality and close contact businesses is midnight on Friday, November 13, and not tonight.”

Friday will be four weeks since the hospitality sector and close contact services in the country were ordered close.

Stores were allowed to remain open.

Companies have fiercely criticized ministers for failing to reach an agreement and provide guidance in time so they can rehire and order stock.

The Dirty Onion pub in Belfast earlier tweeted: “Enough is enough. We open tomorrow.

“We have waited and waited for Stormont to make a decision on opening up the hospitality sector. Our staff do not have the labor luxuries that are afforded to our political assumptions.

“The complete lack of leadership, communication and clarity means that we will make the decision for them.”

Health officials had warned that the risky policy is undermining the public health message at a critical time in the battle against the second wave.



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