Executive pledges to ensure Northern Ireland World Cup games will go ahead

The Executive has pledged to make sure that its Covid rules around sports will permit these upcoming Northern Ireland football matches to take place.
By Adam Kula
Published 16th Mar 2021, 22:11 BST
16th March 2021 - First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill pictured at Parliament Buildings, Stormont16th March 2021 - First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill pictured at Parliament Buildings, Stormont
16th March 2021 - First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill pictured at Parliament Buildings, Stormont

The games in question are two cup qualifiers, and a friendly against the USA, as follows:

Italy v Northern Ireland World Cup qualifier (Thursday March 25);

Northern Ireland v USA (Sunday March 28);

Northern Ireland v Bulgaria (March 31).

However, there will be no spectators.

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It came as Arlene Foster gave a timetable for when different aspects of life in Northern Ireland will begin returning to normal, after what is hoped will be the last lockdown of the current crisis.

Whilst there was little sign of easing restrictions on businesses or requirements for face masks, there was good news for families who want to meet up amid the warming spring weather – up to six people (including children) from two households may meet outdoors in a garden from April 1 onwards.

This will then increase from six to 10 from April 12.

At present, 10 people from two households can meet, but only if they are in a ‘bubble’ together.

Tonight’s announcement basically kills off the requirement for ‘bubbling’, meaning that Family A could meet up with Family B on Monday, then meet with Family C on Tuesday, for example (so long as they keep to the right numbers and observe social distancing).

Other announcements today were as follows:

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l From April 1, 10 people from two households can undertake outdoor sporting activities, meaning things like golf and tennis can resume from this date – but clubhouses, showers and changing rooms must stay closed (with only toilets remaining open indoors);

l Garden centres and plant nurseries can operate a contactless click and collect service from April 1;

l From April 12, contactless click and collect services can operate for all non-essential retail;

l From April 12 sports training can resume for sports clubs affiliated with recognised governing bodies, for groups of up to 15 people (but with all indoor spaces closed except toilets);

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l From April 12, the ‘stay at home’ provision which is written into law will be dropped. Instead of “stay at home”, the message will become “stay local” and “work from home”.

Click here – It’s official: NI political leadership lists Covid relaxations

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Related topics:USAItaly