With new restrictions in place across Northern, the usual half-term holiday many are thinking of taking about now may look slightly different. We have put together a handy guide to help you in planning your half-term break during these strange new times.
Can I still take a staycation in NI?
If you live in an area which is not under local restrictions, you are allowed to travel elsewhere in the UK, while following local regulations. The only local area facing restrictions at the minute is Derry~Londonderry and Strabane.
People living in this area have been advised to avoid all unnecessary travel and people are recommended only to travel into the area if it is absolutely necessary, this means that taking a short break to this area may be out of the question for the half term holidays.
You are not allowed to mix indoors with other households, now are you permitted to stay in another household outside your social bubble.
The executive’s new ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown measures will also come into force tomorrow (on Friday 16).
Pubs and restaurants across Northern Ireland will be forced to once again close their doors.
The new closures are expected to last for four weeks.
The entire hospitality sector (including pubs and restaurants), apart from deliveries and takeaways will be closed, so while you may still be able to enjoy a takeaway, nights out are out of the question.
Fast-food and takeaway premises will close at 11pm while off-licences and supermarkets will have to stop selling alcohol after 8pm.
The current restrictions on household mixing will remain as they are – meaning no mixing of households in private homes – with exceptions including those joined in social bubbles – and gatherings in gardens limited to six people from no more than two households.
