PSNI given power to fine people £200 if away from home without reasonable excuse

The fine will be £200 but can reach £5,000 if the case goes to court.

“In addition, police will have the power to direct people to return to their home … and additionally have the power to remove a person to where they normally reside,” she told MLAs.

Ms Long emphasised that enforcement will remain a last resort but she said there will be a higher police presence at places that present the greatest risk.

“The PSNI will continue to clamp down on house parties or businesses operating outside of the regulations because of the harm being done by these events,” she said.

She also said the public are advised to stay within 10 miles of their home to take exercise.

“This was a matter which the Executive considered very carefully. In some jurisdictions, steps have been taken to place in law a distance limit within which exercise must be taken. The Executive decided it was not proportionate to go down that route at this stage,” she told MLAs.