Pubs and restaurants limited to takeaway only in new local lockdown measures

It is understood measures include limiting hospitality outlets to outdoor dining, takeaways and deliveries.

Further restrictions are to be placed on outdoor gatherings and people in the area will be urged to work from home where possible.

People will also be advised to avoid unnecessary travel, with walking, cycling and use of private transport recommended.

The moves will be officially announced by First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill at a press conference later on Thursday.

Reacting to the new measure in the north west, Colin Neill, the chief executive of Hospitality Ulster, said: “This will come as a shock but no surprise to the hospitality sector in the north west who have experienced the worst impact of this for over six months now,” he said.

“Public health and control of the coronavirus is the number-one priority, but it will, without doubt, be a devastating blow to our sector at this critical time.

“The imposing of further restrictions on top of tight, legally enforceable rules will mean closure for many as they won’t be able to meet the requirement, such as outside space, and with the weather getting colder, this will no longer be viable.

“Donegal placed at Level 3 status means that this entire north west area will effectively limp along.

“Our hospitality industry remains one of the safest on the island of Ireland and the UK, and has not been identified as the cause of the virus increasing. But now that this lockdown has been enforced, there needs to be immediate and appropriate financial assistance directed to the hospitality sector in the Derry and Strabane Council area.

“We are calling for a meeting with the Finance Minister Conor Murphy to look at what urgent measure can be brought forward.”

“It is now time for everyone in our industry, our customers and the wider community to double down on their efforts to get the virus under control, curtail the spread, and ensure our industry reopens in two weeks’ time.”

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, MP for Foyle, said: ““I know the last six months have been incredibly difficult. Everyone has made immense personal sacrifices to keep themselves and their families safe. People have lost mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters to this virus and have given up the chance to say a proper goodbye in many cases.

“People in the North West have been very good at following the public health advice, even when it appeared confusing or felt frustrating. But if we’re honest, the cautious attitude we all took at the start has slipped – people aren’t always wearing facemasks in shops, unnecessary journeys have become routine again and compliance is not as good as it should be. The hard truth is that unless people change their behaviour immediately, we’re going to lose more friends, neighbours and family members.

“These restrictions will be challenging. People in our communities are naturally sociable, entrepreneurial and active. But they are absolutely necessary to relieve pressure on our health service and protect each other. Derry and Strabane has shown that it can step up when needed, it is now needed again and I know that people will do all that they can.”

He added: “But this is a two way street. Government cannot restrict trading opportunities in the North West without additional support for businesses that will close and workers forced to be at home. I will be pressing very strongly for a support package to meet the needs of people in Derry and Strabane who are being asked to make more sacrifices.”