To ask the Minister of Health, given his statement at a recent Committee for Health meeting that Executive policy is to keep the R number below 1, and that data suggests the R number is currently above 1, how the reopening of nightclubs without any mitigations is consistent with that stated policy.

The Executive Office holds the lead responsibility and operational management of the process leading to Executive decisions on the ongoing need for restrictions and the requirement to amend the regulations including receiving and managing all proposals from Executive departments, management of the decision making process and facilitating consultation with departments on the drafting of amendment regulations.

The past 19 months have been unprecedented, and the Executive has sought to balance individual and societal liberty with public health requirements in the face of a global pandemic. The Executive weighs up the totality of the effect each restriction can have in combination with other restrictions in reducing the rate of COVID-19 infections. However, any relaxation will be associated with an increased risk of virus transmission, as has been the case throughout the epidemic.

The most recent evidence indicates that Rt for both cases and admissions is currently around 1, meaning it could be possible that Rt is above or below 1. Nightclubs are higher risk settings for virus transmission and businesses, including nightclubs, are still required by law to complete a risk assessment and put all reasonable measures in place to reduce the risk of virus transmission. I have strongly recommended that the reopening of nightclubs is accompanied by mitigations, such as increased ventilation and individuals entering the premises should demonstrate low risk of COVID-19 transmission. The Executive have issued guidance on how mitigations should be applied, and it is essential that there is a high degree of adherence by premises and individuals to this.

It remains vital that as society continues to reopen, people behave in a responsible manner in order to help keep themselves and others safe and protect our health services. I will continue to monitor COVID-19 data carefully and provide further advice if indicated.