Following the announcement of the latest support package by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Party Leader Arlene Foster held discussions with Rishi Sunak and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury this afternoon to discuss its implications.
Party representatives, including the First Minister have been pressing the Government to offer additional assistance to businesses impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.
Following the discussions the Party Leader highlighted that alongside the measures announced, Northern Ireland would recieve £200million additional funding to assist with business support.
The announcement comes after the Executive announced some additional regulations on face coverings, alongside changes to the consequences for those who breach regulations.
Face coverings must now also be worn:
- By staff in retail and hospitality settings
- When boarding a plane
- In taxis and private buses
- When visiting government offices such as Jobs & Benefit Offices
- In banks, building societies and credit unions
- By driving instructors and their clients
The tariff for breaching Covid penalty notices has now been increased to £200 and three additional offences have been created:
- For not closing a business under the regulations
- Breaching early closing requirements for hospitality businesses
- For not implementing measures to maintain social distancing.
These will be punishable by a fine of up to £10,000 or a fixed penalty notice starting at £1,000 up to a maximum of £10,000.
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