Face coverings made compulsory on public transport in Northern Ireland

NI Executive confirms changes to coronavirus regulations

Relaxations to coronavirus restrictions in Northern Ireland that are due to take effect over the coming days have been ratified by the NI Executive.

The executive has agreed that the use of face coverings on public transport will be mandatory from Friday 10 July. Guidance and exemptions will be communicated in advance of this change taking effect.

Following an update on the transmission rate of Coronavirus, which remains at a low level, the executive confirmed the easements.

The changes agreed are:

• Museums and galleries permitted to reopen from 3 July.
• Reopening of bookmakers from 3 July.
• Resumption of further close contact service, including massage, spas, tattooing and piercing from Monday 6 July. (The relaxation pertaining to spas does not apply to thermal treatment aspects of spas, including saunas and steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools and cold and ice rooms.)
• Bars and restaurants in private members’ clubs and social clubs will also be permitted to open from 3 July, to serve food and refreshment in line with the guidelines for the wider hospitality sector.

All relaxations have been agreed on the basis of all relevant public health guidance and mitigating measures being implemented in advance of reopening.

Not all venues that are permitted to open from a particular date will necessarily open from that date. Organisations should proceed at a speed that is safe and appropriate for their individual sites.