Northern Ireland to have a six-week lockdown after Christmas
A six-week lockdown is to be imposed in Northern Ireland on December 26 in an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus. The Northern Ireland executive agreed to the measures on Thursday as a further 656 cases of Covid-19 and six deaths were reported by the Department of Health. Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill described the situation as "quite dire," according to Press Association reports. All non-essential retail will be closed; the hospitality sector will be open for take away service only. It is expected that schools will re-open in January after the Christmas holidays. Northern Irel...