{"id":24044,"date":"2021-11-17T16:06:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-17T21:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=24044"},"modified":"2021-11-19T10:08:59","modified_gmt":"2021-11-19T15:08:59","slug":"stormont-ministers-approve-plan-for-mandatory-vaccine-passports-in-the-north","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=24044","title":{"rendered":"Stormont Ministers Approve Plan For Mandatory Vaccine Passports In The North"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Covid certification will be used to gain entry to nightclubs, hospitality premises that serve food and\/or drink, cinemas, theatres and conferences halls (PA)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Mandatory vaccine passports are to be introduced in the North after Stormont ministers backed the move despite DUP opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other four Executive parties backed a proposal from Health Minister Robin Swann that will see legal enforcement of Covid-19 certification entry requirements for nightclubs, bars, restaurants and a range of other settings from December 13th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Swann is also now set to draw up a package of others measures to help increase compliance with current coronavirus rules and guidance and drive up vaccination rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the four DUP ministers voted against the vaccine passport proposal, the party did not deploy a cross-community voting mechanism that could have blocked the introduction of certification in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the DUP has called for a vote in the Assembly before the policy is introduced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Previous Executive decisions on Covid-19 rules, including lockdowns, have been subject to retrospective votes in the chamber, usually weeks after the measures have been rolled out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under Mr Swann\u2019s plan, people wishing to gain entry to designated venues would need to demonstrate evidence of Covid-19 vaccination, a negative lateral flow test result, or proof of a coronavirus infection within the previous six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covid certification will be used to gain entry to nightclubs, hospitality premises that serve food and\/or drink, cinemas, theatres and conferences halls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will also be needed to access indoor events with 500 or more attendees where some or all of the audience is not normally seated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certificates would be required for outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees where some or all of the audience is not normally seated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They would also be mandatory at all events of 10,000 or more attendees whether the audience is seated or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Swann wants the regulations needed for the law change come into effect on November 29th, with a 14-day grace period prior to becoming enforceable on December 13th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Non-compliant venues could be hit with a \u00a31,000 fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Health Minister said he was trying to avoid the need for more severe restrictions later in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur Covid numbers are too high and we need to forcibly push them down,\u201d he said. \u201cOur health and social care system is under severe stress. We have to act.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Swann\u2019s proposals come amid escalating pressures on the region\u2019s beleaguered health system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covid-19 transmission rates have soared in recent weeks, particularly among young people.<\/p>\n

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