NI Covid Restrictions: What are the latest Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland as Omicron cases surge?

Stormont ministers have announced new measures to help curb the spread of the Omicron variant.

Additional restrictions are being brought in to limit numbers in the hospitality sector, including closing nightclubs from December, 26 from 8pm.

On Wednesday, December 22 Northern Ireland experienced the highest rates of Covid cases since the pandemic began with 3,231 people testing positive.

There are currently 261 patients with Covid in hospital, with 34 currently in intensive care.

The booster vaccine programme has been extended to people aged 18 and over, in a bid to help protect people against the new variant, but cases are still on the rise.

What are the Covid restrictions in Northern Ireland?

Restrictions that are coming in on Sunday, December 26, 2021:

Nightclubs in Northern Ireland will have to close their doors from 06:00.

Dancing is not allowed once again in all hospitality venues (this does not apply at weddings).

Indoor standing events are no longer allowed.

Restrictions that are coming in on Monday, December 27, 2021:

In hospitality venues, table service will be back and there will be limits of six people per table.

People are encouraged to prioritise working from home and if they cannot do this to social distance in the work place, with employers being asked to provide lateral flow tests for employees.

People are being asked to limit contact in their home to three households and to take regular lateral flow tests before meeting family or friends.

The Executive have agreed that sporting events can continue with no limits on numbers but they will issue guidance on travelling to and from sporting events, including encouraging no car sharing.

Ministers will meet again on December 30, to review and see if any further restrictions will need to be brought in.

What are the symptoms of Omicron?

The symptoms that have been linked to the Omicron variant so far include:

Fatigue

Body aches and pains

Headache

Scratchy throat

Runny nose

Sneezing

Unlike other Covid-19 variants, the Omicron is reported to not cause a cough, a high temperature or a loss of taste or smell.

How to order lateral flow tests in Northern Ireland?

Anyone can order or collect lateral flow tests in Northern Ireland for free.

You can order them online here, or alternatively you can pick up a test kit at a variety of venues across Northern Ireland outlined here.

What are the Covid restrictions elsewhere in the UK?

In Scotland, new restrictions will come into force from 26 December, which limit outdoor events to 500 people and indoor events to 100 if standing and 200 if seated.

Scotland have also cancelled Edinburgh's Hogmanay events.

In England, a passport vaccine has been implemented and masks are once again mandatory.

However, talk of a lockdown or further restrictions were ruled out by Boris Johnston yesterday.

In Wales, two metre social distancing rules have returned in public places and only groups of six people are allowed to meet in pubs.

Event numbers will be capped, with 50 allowed outside and 30 allowed inside.

More from the News Letter:

Postcodes with the highest number of positive Covid cases in Northern Ireland in the run up to Christmas

What are the symptoms of Omicron? Key symptoms of Omicron explained - and does it show up in PCR tests?