![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/foster_03162020.png\")
Draconian measures have been taken in Northern Ireland to stop people from socializing in pubs and keep their distance from others, First Minister Arlene Foster said.<\/p>\nDraconian measures have been taken in Northern Ireland to stop people from socializing in pubs and keep their distance from others, First Minister Arlene Foster said.<\/p>\n
She has faced a dispute with her partner in devolved Government, Michelle O\u2019Neill, over when to order schoolchildren to stay at home.<\/p>\n
Around 3,000 tourism companies could go out of business due to recession sparked by coronavirus, Stormont\u2019s economy minister has warned.<\/p>\n
Hoteliers urged to close have demanded a British Government rescue package to help around 65,000 workers.<\/p>\n
Mrs Foster said the onus was on Westminster to stump up more cash.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cThese are quite draconian measures that have been announced today.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are asking people to social distance in their own homes, to stop socializing in pubs and clubs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to also think of those people who work in pubs and clubs and provide a support mechanism for them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bookings via one popular hotels website have fallen 80%, and the landmark Titanic Belfast visitor center has seen visitor numbers halve.<\/p>\n
Hospitality Ulster chief executive Colin Neill said: \u201cThe hospitality sector across Northern Ireland will suffer overwhelming and immediate pain in a short period of time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mrs Foster said she was very concerned about the impact on small businesses like the hospitality trade and travel agencies, which are suffering a shutdown in people booking holidays.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cThere are many sectors we will try and support but we will need to get funding from Westminster to make sure that we can deliver that support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lawyers have sharply criticized the decision to keep courts open \u2013 one branded them crowded petri dishes for the spread of disease.<\/p>\n
Seven new Covid-19 cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland today, bringing the overall tally to 52.<\/p>\n
Health Minister Robin Swann said 40 new ventilators to keep people who are seriously ill alive had been ordered, and urged local manufacturers to help them produce more.<\/p>\n
Mr Swann said: \u201cBe under no illusion what is coming down the road at us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Non-essential medical procedures are to be postponed as the NHS ramps up its response to the virus.<\/p>\n
Mr Swann added: \u201cWe will come to a point where we won\u2019t be using operating theatres.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will be able to use the ventilator points there to ventilate patients when we get to that stage.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stormont\u2019s education minister has insisted his stance on keeping schools open is not political, and is in line with expert medical advice.<\/p>\n
Peter Weir was challenged during a sitting of the Assembly as to why schools, colleges and childcare facilities in Northern Ireland remain open, when in the Republic of Ireland they were all closed as part of efforts to delay the spread of the virus.<\/p>\n
Despite the Stormont authorities still holding off on announcing closures \u2013 a move they say will be required eventually \u2013 several schools have already shut their doors over Covid-19 fears, including 10 schools for children with special needs in Belfast.<\/p>\n
St Dominic\u2019s Grammar School, a large mainstream school for girls in Belfast, has closed to pupils to facilitate a deep clean after one of its students tested positive for Covid-19.<\/p>\n
A legal challenge against Mr Weir\u2019s stance on closures, taken by a Co Armagh mother whose daughter has an underlying health condition, is due to be heard at the High Court in Belfast on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Stormont ministers met on Monday night with Mrs O\u2019Neill vowing to make the case for school closures.<\/p>\n
She said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson\u2019s decision to ask people to self-isolate confirmed the \u201cabsolute need\u201d for schools to close.<\/p>\n