Delta variant now dominant in Northern Ireland

By Q Radio News

The Delta variant now accounts for 75% of all coronavirus cases in Northern Ireland.

Worried health experts are monitoring its spread closely with a focus on preventing pressure mounting on the NHS again. 

Despite the risk, Executive ministers are allowing live music from Monday and scrapped a 500 limit cap on outdoor gatherings from this evening. 

The Delta variant now accounts for 75% of all coronavirus cases in Northern Ireland.https://t.co/sxLTzINNa6

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 2, 2021

The number of households allowed to meet outdoors will also be increased from three to five on July 5th.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey says the latest relaxations will be welcomed by everybody. 

The relaxations give the nod to include no limit on sounds levels for music outdoors, while indoor music can resume at ambient levels with a screen in front of musicians.

A cap on outdoor gatherings of 500 will be removed from Friday, although events will require a risk assessment.

From July 5, the number of households permitted to meet outdoors at private dwellings will increase from three to five, with the maximum number of people remaining at 15.

Overnight residential stays for children are also set to be allowed to resume.

The Executive is set to review progress on the Pathway out of Restrictions plan at its meeting next Thursday, and consider the sequencing of further relaxations.

Communities minister Deirdre Hargey said the latest relaxations were “great news for our musicians”.

“I have been advocating for these restrictions to be relaxed, I am pleased the Executive has made that decision today,” she said in a video message on social media.

Hospitality Ulster also welcomed the development.

Operations director Joel Neill said it had been a long 16 months for musicians and the wider sector.

“Today’s announcement is another step towards normality,” he said.