Coronavirus: Bigger fines for those who breach regulations could be introduced

Last week, Arlene Foster warned that “tougher penalties are coming” as infection cases across Northern Ireland continue to rise.

Last night Health Minister Robin Swann told the BBC’s Nolan Show: “If the penalty for not wearing a face covering is not enough to get people to do it, then we have to increase that penalty.”

Justice Minister Naomi Long has been carrying out a review of the penalties.

Fines for Covid regulation breaches in Northern Ireland currently start at £60, compared to £200 for England.

The Executive is also likely to discuss extending the use of mandatory face coverings to other settings, including workplaces.

It is not expected that a curcuit breaker lockdown over the half-term holidays will be announced today.

Yesterday Economy Minister Diane Dodds warned that such a lockdown would only be viable with additional financial support from Westminster.

Large numbers of cases in Newry and Down may be showing recent signs of stabilising, Stormont’s chief scientific adviser Professor Ian Young said.

He highlighted unpredictable and potentially long-lasting consequences for some who contracted the illness.

The reproductive rate of the virus is at around 1.5, explaining the large increase in cases and hospital admissions.

Prof Young said the number of admissions to hospital took off in the middle of last month and the tally of inpatients was doubling every week.

He added patient numbers could equal those seen during the first wave of the pandemic within two or three weeks.

“At the moment, the seven-day rolling average of new cases per day is above 500 and has more than doubled within the last week.”

Chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said there was a rising trajectory of cases.

“Our health and care workers don’t wish to see you clapping once more, they need you to demonstrate your commitment and support by recommitting to the advice and measures that have gotten us this far to date.”

There have been 828 new cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland confirmed in the last 24 hours and one further death, according to the Department of Health.

Stormont ministers are “not crying wolf” over the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic, Arlene Foster said.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister acknowledged that people are “fed up” with Covid-19 and “want it to be over and done with” but urged continued compliance with public health rules.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “Things are going to get worse if people don’t act now.”