NI public must be ready to show vaccine status proof, Givan and O’Neill say

Northern Ireland’s leaders have said the public should expect to be asked for proof of their Covid-19 vaccination status ahead of the latest easing of pandemic restrictions.

First Minister Paul Givan and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill were speaking ahead the changes coming into force from noon on Sunday.

These will see nightclubs permitted to open for the first time in 19 months, customers being allowed to move around and dance in hospitality venues, and the need for social distancing in hospitality settings moving to being guidance rather than regulation.

While vaccine certificates have not been made mandatory, the Ministers said that, as part of measures to ensure safer environments, people should expect to be asked for “proof of their Covid status”.

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Seven deaths

A further seven deaths of patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 were notified in the North on Friday, as well as another 1,321 cases . There were 351 Covid-positive patients in hospital, of whom 34 were in intensive care.

The Stormont Executive has advised venues to introduce their own entry checks but has stopped short of bringing in a mandatory system similar to that operating in the State.

The issue has divided the administration, with the SDLP and Alliance Party calling for legally enforceable Covid-19 certs for night venues. Some nightclub owners have expressed concern about having to police entry checks in the absence of a mandatory system.

Mr Givan said the responsibility “lies with each of us to protect ourselves, our families and the whole community”.

Community wellbeing

“Together, we have reached a point where almost all restrictions have been lifted or replaced with advice,” he said. “It is this guidance which is critical in our efforts to protect people’s health, while working to bring about economic recovery and community wellbeing.”

Ms O’Neill said the latest relaxation of restrictions “must go hand in hand with the necessary mitigations and personal behaviours that will help to manage risks as people socialise together”.

“We have contingency plans in place that will allow us to deploy additional measures if the situation requires,” she said. “However, to help avoid future restrictions, it is absolutely vital that we all make the public health advice part of our everyday lives.” – PA