DUP Update - 26th June 2020
[link removed] Share ([link removed])
[link removed]: https%3A%2F%2Fmailchi.mp%2Fmydup%2Fdup-covid-19-news-update-26th-june Tweet ([link removed]: https%3A%2F%2Fmailchi.mp%2Fmydup%2Fdup-covid-19-news-update-26th-june)
[link removed] Forward ([link removed])


** Social distancing change as timetable announced
------------------------------------------------------------

[link removed]
First Minister Arlene Foster speaking yesterday.

The First Minister announced a significant series of measures this week, as Northern Ireland continues to move towards greater normality.

Whilst 2 metre social distancing is still encouraged, in situations where this is not achievable and other mitigations can be put in place, a reduction to a minimum of 1 metre distancing is acceptable.

Monday also saw the First Minister announce that indoor gatherings of up to 6 people from different households were also now possible.

The Executive also published a comprehensive list of indicative dates for further relaxations to the COVID-19 restrictions.
* Resumption of contact sport training - 29th June

* Reopening of betting shops - 3rd July

* Close contact services inc tattoo parlours, piercings and spas - 6th July

* Reopening of indoor gyms - 10th July

* Reopening of outdoor leisure playgrounds - 10th July

* Reopening of Libraries - 16th July

* Competitive sports can resume - 17th July

* Limited numbers of outdoor spectators permitted - 17th July (increasing on 31st July)

* Reopening of seated venues inc cinemas and bingo halls - 29th July

* Reopening of arcades - 29th July

* Reopening of indoor sports courts and skating rinks - 7th August

* Leisure Centres and soft play areas - 7th August

* Socially distanced indoor spectators permitted - 28th August

* Open air museums - late August.

With places of worship permitted to open from Monday (29th June), the Executive has written to church and faith leaders with updated guidance on reopening for public worship.

The document can be read
here. ([link removed])


** Updates from this week
------------------------------------------------------------


**
------------------------------------------------------------


** Economy Minister Diane Dodds
------------------------------------------------------------
* Welcomed the Executive's decision to reduce allow 1m social distancing ([link removed]) and highlighted the benefits for our hospitality industry.

* Welcomed the first stage of recovery for tourism sector as caravan parks ([link removed]) re-opened today.

* Published guideance for hotels ([link removed]) and tourist accomodation.

* Announced an extra £1.4million ([link removed]) to alleviate student hardship.

* Emphasised the importance of skills ([link removed]) in rebuilding the Northern Ireland economy.


[link removed]
Economy Minister Diane Dodds speaking after the Executive's announcement that 1 metre social distancing could be used.


** Education Minister Peter Weir
------------------------------------------------------------
* Updated the Assembly's COVID-19 response committee ([link removed]) .

* Published information ([link removed]) on the Childcare Recovery Plan and Education Restart Programme.

* Published guidance for schools on curriculum ([link removed]) planning.

* Published school day guidance for special schools ([link removed]) .

[link removed]
Education Minister Peter Weir addresses the Assembly this week.


** DAERA Minister Edwin Poots
------------------------------------------------------------
* Announced a reopening date for Northern Ireland's 25 zoo licence ([link removed]) holders.

* Announced an £800,000 ([link removed]) environmental funding boost.

* Launched a consultation ([link removed]) on how Northern Ireland collects, separates and recycles waste.



** MPs
------------------------------------------------------------
* Gregory Campbell welcomed progress on the reopening ([link removed]) of gyms.

* Gregory Campbell also tabled a motion calling for a reduction in the VAT ([link removed]) rate for goods purchased in store.

* Sir Jeffrey Donaldson welcomed the government's commitment to sharing advice ([link removed]) on social distancing.

* Sammy Wilson called for the furlough scheme to be extended ([link removed]) for travel, tourism and aviation industries.


** MLAs
------------------------------------------------------------
* Pam Cameron expressed concern at new cancer waiting time ([link removed]) statistics.

* MLAs backed a DUP motion calling on the Minister of Health to set out plans to tackle COVID-19 related mental health ([link removed]) problems.

* Michelle McIlveen called on the Infrastructure Minister to publish a date for the resumption of driving tests ([link removed]) .

* Joanne Bunting raised questions over the decision ([link removed]) not to prosecute Sean Kelly.


** Date for your Diary.
------------------------------------------------------------

============================================================
** DUP Facebook Page ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
** YouTube ([link removed])
** Email (mailto:[email protected])
Copyright © 2020 Democratic Unionist Party, All rights reserved.
You signed up to receive Registered Supporter email updates from our website.

Our mailing address is:
Democratic Unionist Party
91 Dundela Avenue
Belfast
Belfast, Down BT4 3BU
United Kingdom

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.


** DUP Facebook Page ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
** YouTube ([link removed])
** Email (mailto:[email protected])