Executive Daily Update: Initiatives to deal with Coronavirus (27 March 2020)

Northern Ireland Executive ministers and their officials were today involved in a number of initiatives and critical decisions relating to the Coronavirus emergency.

Covid-19 Executive Update

It was announced that Economy Minister Diane Dodds is to set up a forum involving business representatives, trade unions, police, Public Health Agency, Health and Safety Executive and local government to advise the Executive on the management of its Covid-19 response.

At the Executive’s daily press conference, First Minister Arlene Foster said the forum will hold its first formal meeting next Monday, with Junior Ministers Gordon Lyons and Declan Kearney participating.

Finance Minister Conor Murphy confirmed that a joint order has been placed with the Irish Government for supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers, in addition to the sourcing of equipment through the UK Government.

In an effort to reassure renters, homeowners and the homeless, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey announced a series of measures, including an agreement with the Housing Executive and housing associations to not evict social housing tenants facing difficulties paying rent during the Covid-19 emergency.

Minister Hargey confirmed Co-ownership had also given an assurance that the homes of customers struggling to keep up with their payments during the crisis are secure and that, working with mortgage lenders, they would be treated sensitively.

Local Housing Allowance rates are being increased too from 1 April to provide additional financial support for private landlord tenants in receipt of Housing Benefit or the housing costs element of Universal Credit.

As part of its surge plan, additional accommodation has been sourced by the Housing Executive in a bid to protect the homeless who will need to avail of shelters, hostels and emergency accommodation.

Health Minister Robin Swann, Finance Minister Conor Murphy and Economy Minister Diane Dodds paid tribute to nearly 100 companies who have volunteered to help produce and source ventilators and PPE for healthcare workers.

Businesses who believe they may be able to help safely provide products are urged to get in contact by emailing: ppesupplieroffers.cpd@finance-ni.gov.uk.

Health Minister Robin Swann issued an appeal to the public to remain at home this weekend and resist the temptation to head out and socialise.

Minister Swann stressed, in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, people should only go out of their homes if it is absolutely necessary and if they do, they need to keep their distance from others.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Northern Ireland Executive is producing a regular digest of key initiatives and decisions that have been undertaken by ministers and their Departments relating to the Coronavirus crisis.
2. Members of the public are encouraged to check regularly the Public Health Agency, NI Direct, NI Executive and government departmental websites and social media channels for public health advice on how to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus.
3. Media enquiries to the TEO Press Office on 028 9037 8201. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.

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