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Schools in Northern Ireland are shut today as part of new restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19.

The two-week closure, which includes the half-term holiday, is set to be reviewed on November 2.

Restrictions imposed on businesses in NI by the NI Executive came in at 6pm on Friday.

Restaurants and cafes are now limited to takeaway and delivery services for four weeks.

Restrictions have also been imposed on hotels, the beauty industry and on indoor and contact sport.

Business owners have voiced their unhappiness at the move.

One hairdressers posted: “WE DID WHAT YOU ASKED

We put the health and safety of all our clients and staff first ( as always!!)

spent so much money, and lost so much money..

We closed for 13 weeks

We invested in new PPE equipment

We invested in new PPE regulations throughout the premises

WE altered our appointment times

Our clients also complied and understood new rules.

We complied with social distancing...

We put our heart, soul, sweat, time, huge efforts over and above what was asked... AND NOW...... ❌ FORCED TO SHUT ❌. AGAIN”

And a restaurant added: “We can’t believe we are having to say goodbye again to our wonderful customers friends staff again.

All our customers have all been so supportive from we reopened in July, adhering to all the new rules and regulations. Hopefully we will be able to welcome you back in the not so distant future.

To all the staff who have worked extremely hard during the past few months Thank you.

You have adapted so well to all the new changes.

But a wee bit of good news from next Friday we will be offering a takeaway food and drink on Friday and Saturdays 5 to 8pm so you won’t have to miss your favourite Cellar meal or pint (menu will be posted next Monday)

Finally let’s all stay safe and the Cellar Bar family will be back together soon”.

Yesterday the Department of Health reported that five more people had died in Northern Ireland after contracting Covid-19.

That brings the number of deaths, based on a positive test result being recorded, to 615.

Another 1,012 new cases of coronavirus were recorded. In the last seven days 7,090 people have tested positive.

Across Northern Ireland, 228 people with Covid-19 are in hospital.

Thirty of them are in intensive care and 23 are ventilated.

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Schools shut for 2 weeks in bid to curb spread of COVID-19 as business owners reveal heartbreak at another closure