{"id":24272,"date":"2021-12-04T11:39:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-04T16:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=24272"},"modified":"2021-12-05T09:41:40","modified_gmt":"2021-12-05T14:41:40","slug":"hundreds-protest-covid-19-certificates-in-belfast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=24272","title":{"rendered":"Hundreds Protest Covid-19 Certificates In Belfast"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Police temporarily closed one of the busiest roads in the city, as a number of speakers addressed the rally (PA Images)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A rally protesting against Northern Ireland\u2019s Covid-19 certification scheme has taken place in Belfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Several hundred people gathered outside the City Hall, with many carrying anti-vaccine and anti-Covid certification placards and banners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Police temporarily closed one of the busiest roads in the city, as a number of speakers addressed the rally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those in attendance were told that the event was not a protest against vaccines, but rather opposing the certification regulations which were introduced on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The certification scheme is currently mandatory in licensed premises, as well as cinemas and theatres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People entering these premises will be asked for proof of vaccination or a negative test result under the regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there will be a short grace period, with no fines issued until December 13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speakers at the City Hall rally told the crowd that it was an event to campaign for everyone to be treated equally \u201cregardless of their medical status\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were loud cheers when it was stated that further rallies would follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beside the rally, shoppers queued to gain access to the Christmas market in the grounds of the City Hall where they were asked to show their vaccination certificates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann revealed on Friday that 86,000 people have applied to the domestic certification scheme this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also said that a helpline to give assistance to those applying for the paper or digital certificates is currently dealing with 3,000 calls a day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The issue has caused controversy in the Executive, with the DUP opposing mandatory Covid certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MLAs are set to hold a debate on the regulations next week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, around 50 community pharmacies are taking part in the Big Jab Weekend across Northern Ireland this weekend, designed to increase uptake of the booster vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pharmacies are providing first and second doses to anyone over 18, as well as booster jabs for those who are eligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program in pharmacies will complement the ongoing booster provision by a network of health trust hubs, trust walk-in clinics and GPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chief executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene, said: \u201cThroughout the pandemic, the community pharmacy workforce has gone above and beyond to support people across Northern Ireland and have played a vital role in rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPharmacies are ideally placed in the heart of communities and provide a very accessible option for people \u2013 I would encourage people to come forward for vaccination this weekend and get that all-important protection that vaccination provides.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A further nine deaths of patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 have been reported in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another 1,642 cases of the virus were also notified.<\/p>\n

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