Northern Ireland lockdown: When the new Covid rules start, what the restrictions are and how long it will last
The i 18/12/2020 Alex Finnis
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill called the move “draconian but necessary”.
The R rate in Northern Ireland is currently between 1-1.2, but experts believe it could reach 1.8 after Christmas.
The country recorded an average of 173.1 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days up to 12 December.
When does Northern Ireland’s lockdown start?
The restrictions will come into place from Boxing Day. However, non-essential shops will shut from closing time on Christmas Eve.
The lockdown will last for six weeks, with it expected to end around 6 February.