Coronavirus Restrictions Regulations
Health Minister Robin Swann announced on 14th February 2022 that all COVID-19 legal restrictions in Northern Ireland would be replaced by guidance from February 15th 2022.
He also strongly emphasised the continuing need for caution and vigilance in relation to the virus stating; “Coronavirus is likely to stay with us in some form for some time. We cannot maintain emergency restrictions indefinitely. A large part of what we currently do to protect ourselves is already covered by guidance rather than regulations. This includes self-isolating when infected and taking lateral flow tests before meeting up with others. The guidance will continue to emphasise all the steps that we should keep taking to protect each other.
“I will, of course, keep the situation on regulations under ongoing and detailed review. We cannot rule out a new variant emerging down the line with new interventions being required. I very much hope that will not be the case.”
The importance of wearing face coverings in health and social care settings, on public transport and in enclosed indoor settings will continue to be strongly emphasised.
While Covid status certification will no longer be legally required in any settings, hospitality and entertainment venues will still be encouraged to use it. Vaccine certification will continue to be available to the public – including for those who need it for travel abroad to satisfy entry requirements of countries they are visiting.
The remaining COVID restrictions that were removed in law from 15th February 2022 were:
Requirements in respect of shops:
- Risk assessment
- All reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission
Requirements in respect of theatres, concert halls, conference and exhibition centres and other indoor venues used for performance, conferences or exhibitions:
- Risk assessment
- All reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission
- Collection of visitor information
Requirements in respect of hospitality venues, including those outdoors under an occasional licence
- Risk assessment
- All reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission
- Collection of visitor information
Requirements in respect of tourist accommodation:
- Collection of visitor information
- Requirements in respect of any organised indoor gathering over 15 or outdoor gathering over 30:
- Risk assessment
- All reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission
Requirements in respect of funerals and wakes
- Compliance with DoH Guidance on funerals
Requirements in respect of weddings and civil partnership ceremonies
- Collection of visitor information
- Restriction on meeting indoors at a private dwelling or at a rave (30+ people)
Requirements in respect of close contact services:
- Collection of visitor information
Requirement to wear a face covering in enclosed public areas of premises; restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs; public transport; driving instruction; close contact services
Requirement to use COVID Certification in nightclubs and indoor unseated gatherings of 500+
Following the removal of restrictions, advice for the public and employers is available on the Public Health Agency Website which can be accessed using the link below;
COVID-19 (coronavirus) | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)
Health and Safety for Businesses during the Coronavirus/COVID19 Outbreak
Regardless of the removal of Coronavirus Restrictions Regulations, under Health and Safety at Work legislation, employers must protect the safety and health of everyone in your workplace. There are many practical steps that you can take to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading.
Health and safety law requires employers to do ‘what is reasonably practicable’ to protect their staff and members of the public.
Employers are advised to follow some simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff. Best practice workplace measures are detailed on the NI Info for Businesses website and may be accessed using the following link;
Coronavirus: Workplace safety guidelines (nibusinessinfo.co.uk)
Advice for Temporary Food Delivery or Collection Services
We are aware that several small catering businesses across the borough started offering delivery services in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
To help your business do this safely and successfully please follow the link to our advice page.
Advice for Food Businesses Food Businesses | Ards and North Down Borough Council
Please contact the Environmental Health team if you have any questions:
E: foodenquiries@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Please include a phone number so that a member of the team can give you a call back.