Return to lockdown can still be avoided in NI, Arlene Foster insists

This comes after it was revealed that extra cash to support businesses through such a scenario is being sought from the UK Treasury.

Stormont Ministers are expected to make a decision on additional coronavirus restrictions on Thursday, following a drastic rise in the number of cases over the past week.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy said yesterday that he is seeking an “urgent” meeting with the UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak to discuss what financial support might be made available in the event of a return to lockdown.

On Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in an interview with the BBC that he would “absolutely” provide financial support for Northern Ireland’s battle with the virus.

The Northern Ireland Executive met on Monday to discuss possible new measures but no decision was announced following the meeting.

Restrictions are already in place across Northern Ireland that place limits on the number of people who can gather indoors and outdoors.

Arlene Foster, speaking to the BBC yesterday evening, was asked if a return to lockdown could still be avoided.

“I do think it’s avoidable,” she said. “The important thing to do is work with us and comply with the regulations that are already out there.”

She also stressed that the Executive “certainly don’t want to” impose a second lockdown.

Referring to the measures already in place, she said: “It is a case of allowing a lag period for these restrictions to have an impact.Our advisors tell us it usually takes two-to-three weeks for the restrictions to have an impact. Hopefully we will be able to get an update this week on the household restrictions.”

The DUP leader also revealed proposals for tougher penalties for those who breach the regulations will be proposed by Justice Minister Naomi Long.

“The Minister of Justice intends to come forward with tougher penalty restrictions as well,” she said.

“She will do that at the Executive on Thursday.”

The First Minister also insisted schools would not close even in the event of a return to lockdown, saying: “We will not be going back to a situation where our schools are closed.”