The First and deputy First Minister have told non-essential services and businesses to close down and to stay home. They urged businesses to allow their staff to work from home where possible. First Minister Arlene Foster warned that there will be a “wave of deaths” in NI if people do not follow social distancing advice.
Health Minister Robin Swann has said enforced social distancing is likely to be introduced soon. The matter will be discussed at this evening’s COBRA committee meeting. He has again urged people to adhere to social distancing advice and has warned that the impact of the virus could “dwarf the impact of the Troubles on our society.”
Mr Swann has also introduced a Home Childcare scheme for key workers. Under the scheme, children of key workers will be temporarily matched with one daycare worker from the setting that they currently attend. The scheme will prioritise the needs of key workers with babies and toddlers.
Sportswear manufacturer O’Neills has announced it has received orders to produce scrubs for health and social care trusts in NI.
The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is now operational in NI with Danske Bank, Ulster Bank and Bank of Ireland participating. It will provide loans of up to £5m for small businesses experiencing cashflow problems.
Northern Ireland’s health service is to access all hospital beds across the private sector in “not less than 3 months”. The Mater Hospital has also now been designated Belfast’s COVID-19 hospital and will close to walk-in admissions from 8am tomorrow morning.
The Emergency Coronavirus Bill was introduced to the House of Commons this afternoon and will go through all of its stages tonight, with successful progress of the bill almost certain, The bill gives the government emergency powers to ban large-scale events or gatherings; shut down premises; close borders; and detain individuals who are judged to be a risk of spreading the virus.
The NI Assembly will debate a Legislative Consent Motion to endorse the emergency bill tomorrow. Follow the link for tomorrow’s order paper and the wording of the motion - http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/order-papers/session-2019-2020/24-march-2020/