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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Jane Corscadden

Coronavirus Northern Ireland: Details of further restrictions eased from today

A number of relaxations to coronavirus restrictions have taken effect in Northern Ireland.

From today, Thursday, October 14, the decision made by the Stormont Executive means 30 people from an unlimited number of households will be able to meet indoors at a private home.

This means the previous 15 person cap on gatherings in private homes has now been lifted.

Additionally, audiences at indoor venues will no longer have to stay seated during performances from today.

Large house parties and raves remain banned, and face masks are still mandatory in some settings, including shops and public transport - unless a person is exempt.

From October 31, further restrictions will be relaxed, including the reopening of nightclubs and the end of social distancing rules for hospitality.

From then, the need to be socially distanced will also move to guidance, with people asked to minimise face-to-face contact.

First Minister Paul Givan said it has taken a "determined and combined effort across society to get us here".

He said it was right to "take heart" from the relaxation of some restrictions, but said people should continue to observe remaining rules.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill warned that Covid-19 still posed a threat to "lives, livelihoods and our health service".

"We have a collective responsibility to keep making the kind of choices that will keep our community as safe as possible," she added.

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