COVID-19 Update
The Department for Health detailed their plans for the next phase of emergency health service planning for the COVID-19 surge. The plan includes prioritisation of patient care, reconfiguration of hospital services, urgent discharge of medically fit patients and the end of hospital visiting.
The Chancellor announced details of support for the self-employed. He unveiled a new Self-Employed Income Support Scheme with a taxable grant worth 80% of average monthly profits over the last three years up to £2,500 per month.
There are now 241 confirmed cases in Northern Ireland. 10 people have died.
Health Minister Robin Swann launched the first Primary Care COVID-19 centre in Altnagelvin Hospital.
Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds announced that the first payment in the small Business Support Grant Scheme would be made on 31 March, if not before. She also announced that an online portal had been set up to support payments and provides a facility for business to register their bank details to receive their payment.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a range of new strict measures to tackle the spread of COVID-19. People must stay at home except for shopping for necessities, daily exercise, any medical need and travelling to and from essential work.
Emergency legislation granting powers to tackle the pandemic was passed by MPs. Similar legislation was agreed by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The Stormont Executive published a list of essential businesses that are permitted to remain open during the COVID-19 emergency. An updated list is expected shortly.
Northern Ireland’s health service is to access all hospital beds across the private sector.
Health Minister Robin Swann announced £10.5 million additional funding for community pharmacies to alleviate the pressures faced as a result of COVID-19.
A letter has been sent to 40,000 people in Northern Ireland deemed to be at most risk from COVID-19. They will be advised not to leave their homes for 12 weeks.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon announced a further reduction in public transport and that public transport would be free for all NHS workers.
The UK Government ordered 10,000 ventilators from Dyson. These will be used in Northern Ireland. The Northern Ireland Executive has procured for 650 additional ventilators.
Home Secretary Priti Patel introduced new emergency laws to the House of Commons today for police to fine those not adhering to the social-distancing laws within the Coronavirus Bill. The fines begin at £60 and double with every reoffence. The laws were introduced with immediate effect.
Forward Look
The Northern Ireland Assembly will only sit once a week on a Tuesday from next week onwards.
Question Time has been suspended until May. Ministers will continue to make statements to the Assembly.
An Ad-Hoc Committee on the COVID-19 response will be appointed by the Northern Ireland Assembly. This Committee will receive oral statements from Ministers on matters relating to the COVID-19 response and to question Ministers on such statements.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy will give a statement on the Budget to the Assembly next week.
The Domestic Abuse Bill for Northern Ireland will have its first stage on Tuesday.
Health Minister Robin Swann will update the Health Committee on Thursday 2 April.
The Northern Ireland Office published regulations regarding the provision of abortion services in Northern Ireland which come into effect next week. Abortions in Northern Ireland can take place in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy without conditionality and terminations will be permitted beyond 12 weeks in a number of other circumstances.
The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce has appointed Paul Clancy as its new Chief Executive. He has more than 20 years director and management level experience across a range of sectors.
The House of Commons and House of Lords have shut down until 21 April. MPs will return on this date to deal with Budget legislation.
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are continuing discussions on forming a new government. They have agreed on the need to form a strong stable government that will help Ireland recover post COVID-19 and are working to develop a Programme for Government.
Other Stories This Week
Health Minister Robin Swann announced additional payments for people infected with contaminated blood. The payments will be made to those people who were diagnosed with Hepatitis C or HIV after receiving NHS-supplied infected blood.
The Department for the Economy published an independent report on the impact of changes to UK migration policy on the Northern Ireland economy. It can be viewed here.
The Government has abandoned plans to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600. It will also seek to have constituency boundary reviews take place every eight years instead of every five.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy confirmed that the date of the next census would be 21 March 2021.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy reappointed Marian Cree as Legal Services Oversight Commissioner for a second term.
The DVA suspended all MOT tests for three months.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn took part in his final PMQ’s. He will be replaced as leader on 4 April.
Savills Ireland has announced the appointment of Mark Reynolds as its new Managing Director with immediate effect.
Eamon Keenan has been returned to fill the vacancy on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. This position was vacated following the resignation of Independent Councillor John McCluskey.
Consultations
Belfast Resilience Strategy Belfast City Council. Deadline 10 April.
Belfast City Council Improvement Objectives 2020 – 21 Belfast City Council. Deadline 24 April.
Consultation on pilot to instruct experts in the family proceedings court Department of Justice. Deadline 8 May.
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