Three week lockdown possible after Christmas + People needed to take “all and every precaution” says Arlene Foster

Robin Swann determined to unlock care home visiting over Christmas and New Year

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Subscribe              Dec 16, 2020           Dear reader First Minister Arlene Foster said people needed to take "all and every precaution" when they come together at Christmas as the momentum builds towards yet another Northern Ireland lockdown.  Speaking on Wednesday during a visit to Newry, the DUP leader admitted that the restrictions imposed over the last two weeks in Northern Ireland had failed to bring the R number below one.  The planned relaxation of restrictions are to go ahead as planned over Christmas, but it is speculated that health officials are advocating another lockdown that may take in the first three weeks in January.  Mr Swann did offer some hope for the relatives of care home residents who hope to have some visits over the Christmas period. The minister admitted that families are baffled by some care homes having been able to facilitate meaningful contact with residents over the months of the pandemic, while others have not.  The latest Covid-19 figures in the Province have revealed no fall in new cases, with another 510 cases diagnosed in the last 24 hours. Another eight people who have tested positive for the virus have passed away.    Alistair Bushe Editor Want total access to all of our online content? You can subscribe to our website, newsletter.co.uk for just £1 a month for 3 months - and it couldn't be easier. Signing up will get you faster-loading articles, fewer adverts and access to exclusive content and events when we run them. To learn more, visit our Subscriptions page here.           Three week lockdown starting on December 28 to be considered by Executive on Thursday           The Northern Ireland Executive will consider introducing a third 'circuit-breaker' when a relaxation of restrictions ends on December 27, according to sources close to Stormont.                 Coronavirus NI: Eight more people die with COVID-19 - 510 more diagnosed with infection - 457 people in our hospitals and 32 in ICU   Another eight people have died with COVID-19 in Northern Ireland.           Health Minister Robin Swann determined to unlock care home visiting over Christmas and New Year   Health Minister Robin Swann today revealed his determination to see visits for care home residents facilitated across Northern Ireland over Christmas and into the New Year.           Antrim and Newtownabbey Council calls for NHS bonus payment   Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is seeking a 'thank-you' payment of at least £500 from Health Minister Robin Swann for health workers as a mark of gratitude for their "commitment and care" during the Covid pandemic.           Passengers kept on ferry overnight after crew members test positive for Covid-19   More than 300 passengers have been kept on a ferry overnight after six members of the crew tested positive for coronavirus.           Teaching Union gives qualified welcome for Minister Peter Weir's exam plans   The NASUWT teaching union said Education Minister Peter Weir's announcement addresses some uncertainty but leaves "key question" unanswered.                 View more news

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