HU CEO STATEMENT AS HEALTH MINISTER LIFTS REMAINING COVID RESTRICTIONS
15 February 2022
Commenting on the lifting of all remaining Covid-19 restrictions by Health Minister, Robin Swann MLA, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, Colin Neill said:
“This is a welcome announcement. After nearly two long years, the hospitality industry will be relieved that they can begin to trade without pandemic restrictions limiting the viability of their businesses.
“We must have full focus on rebuilding consumer confidence and supporting the hospitality industry as a key driver for the wider economy.”
“The lifting of the remaining restrictions, including mandatory passes at nightclubs and recording customer details, will hopefully signal a major turning point for the industry and see the return of the thriving industry we once had which contributed over £2bn annually to the local economy. We want to see local customers returning and visitors from elsewhere with the opening of greater tourism opportunities. That buzz has been missed.”
“Now, attention must turn to the plan of action on how to best rebuild and revitalise the industry to ensure that it returns to its former position as a significant employer and economic generator. Through a dedicated hospitality strategy, innovative plans and actions can be implemented which will help hospitality regrow, and help create further jobs and opportunities for the sector as we emerge from the pandemic.”
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
There are no plans at this stage for changes to the current arrangements for testing, contact tracing and isolation in Northern Ireland.
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 COVID restrictions that are being removed in law are:
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+