Executive agree to reduce social distancing to indoor settings to one metre
All indoor settings will now apply a one-metre distance rule (3ft 3inches).
This will bring retail and shopping centres, where a two-metre rule currently applies, into line with the regulation for other indoor venues such as hospitality outlets.
In outdoor settings, social distancing is not a requirement and is instead urged in guidance. The guidance had suggested two metres as an appropriate distance. Guidance will now change to urge a distance of between one to two metres.
Executive ministers have also extended a decision on allowing the return of live music at theatres and concert venues to cover other indoor venues, such as hotel function rooms and community halls.
There will be no restriction on volume level.
Dancing will not be permitted at indoor events and a social distance of one metre will be required.
Decisions around the use of face masks in schools and whether to allow the return of conferences and exhibitions have been pushed back to the Executive’s next meeting on August 12.
On Friday, July 30, the Executive will publish a cross-departmental plan aimed at accelerating economic, health and societal recovery following Covid-19.
The document draws together the plans already formulated by various Stormont departments into an all-encompassing blueprint.
