Simple breakdown of new Covid rules and maps: Are you affected by the restrictions?

The Executive has today decided to introduce a series of localised restrictions to stem the increase in Covid-19 cases.

The areas covered are:

~ Belfast City Council area (the boundaries of north and south are shown in maps here)

~ Ballymena town (but they have not been precise about where the boundary lies)

~ Postcode area BT28 (west of Belfast)

~ Postcode area BT29 (west of Belfast)

~ Postcode area BT43 (north west Ballymena)

The restrictions are:

~ No mixing of households in private dwellings, with exemptions for: bubbling with one other household; caring responsibilities including childcare; essential maintenance, supported living arrangements; visits required for legal or medical purposes; or marriage or civil partnerships where one partner is terminally ill;

~ No more than six people to gather in a private garden from no more than two households;

~ Anyone living in these areas is asked to avoid unnecessary travel outside the restricted areas;

~ Care homes and hospitals in these areas will be advised to significantly curtail visits as soon as practicable. One member of a family will be permitted a visit once a week while these localised restrictions apply. More frequent visits may be permitted in exceptional circumstances, including palliative care facilities and those receiving end of life care.

~ Medically vulnerable and older people living in these areas are asked to be particularly careful in following the advice on limiting household contacts, social distancing, hand washing and wearing a face covering, given the local levels of Covid-19.

Anyone living in the areas is asked to follow the restrictions with immediate effect.

Regulations on the restrictions will be introduced next week, making some legally enforceable.