New COVID-19 Regulations: What the Restrictions Mean for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Following the Executive’s announcement of significant new measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across Northern Ireland, Newry, Mourne and Down District has been considering the impact on its services. 

While many will continue to operate as normal, please see below for details where new restrictions will apply. The following measures will be introduced to the following service areas from 6pm on 16 October 2020 and will be in place for four weeks. Please note that clarity is still being sought in some service areas which may be subject to change.

LEISURE
Newry, Kilkeel and Down Leisure Centres 
These facilities will remain OPEN, however restricted to the following activities:
•Gyms for individual training only.  
•Swimming pools, however only for individual lane swimming bookings and only for 16 years and older.
•All memberships will be extended or discounted to allow for this period of reduction in services and we will communicate these arrangements in due course. 
•All activity sessions must be pre-booked on the NMD Be Active App, online or by phone. 

St Colman’s Sports Complex
Only the athletics track will remain open on a restricted basis for individual lane bookings at restricted times.

Initially the following facilities and services will REMAIN CLOSED from 6pm on Friday 16 October 2020:

•Ballymote Sport and Wellbeing Centre and the Newcastle Centre.
•All Council grass and artificial surfaces including St Colman’s 3G pitch.
•All Council tennis courts, bowling greens and pavilions.
•All classes, sports halls and multi-purpose rooms in all leisure and sports facilities.
•All recreational swimming and swimming tuition. 

The Council is seeking further clarifications on a number of the new restrictions. At present the above will be in place from 6pm on Friday 16 October 2020, however will be reviewed in light of any further changes to the regulations. The Council may make changes as it receives further clarification on the restrictions and allow a timescale for implementation. The Council appreciates your anticipated understanding of the present fluid situation.

REGISTRATION (from 19 October)
•Marriage and civil partnership ceremonies at a registration office or approved venue will be limited to 25 people.
•Marriage and civil partnership ceremonies can take place at a person’s home if one of the parties is terminally ill with up to 10 people in attendance (this includes the couple, two witnesses and the officiant).
For the latest information see: https://www.newrymournedown.org/births-deaths-marriages-and-civil-partnerships

FUNERALS
Burial services will be limited to 25 people.

MUSEUMS
Museums will close during this period. Arts Centres remain closed.

COMMUNITY CENTRES
Community Centres across the district currently remain open but will continue to operate on a restrictive basis. The focus will primarily be on the provision of childcare and library services and where possible the Council will work with existing hirers to facilitate necessary community activity that has been robustly considered and risk assessed. 

CARAVAN PARKS
The Council’s campsites and services for touring caravans must close until further notice. Services can be provided in emergency situations. Our country parks and forest parks remain open.

Find out more about the latest regulations and restrictions agreed by the Executive at:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin said, “Thank you again to all those who came together to help reduce COVID-19 cases in Newry, Mourne and Down over recent weeks. While localised restrictions were avoided, the ‘circuit breaker’ announced this week by the Executive is now required to reduce the spread of coronavirus and help manage the pressures on our health and social care system. This is an opportunity to reset and drive down cases to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Please do your part to comply and continue to socially distance, wear a face covering where required, wash your hands and download the StopCOVID NI app.

“I know this means a very difficult time for many of you, especially those who live alone and are socially isolated. I also do not underestimate the impact this will have on local businesses and know the district will come together again to support you as best we can, with the Council playing its part. 

“We have now outlined the Council services impacted by the new regulations at this stage and will continue to keep our social media channels and website updated with any further details.”

For further information on how Council services have been impacted by the Executive’s new regulations please click on the following link.