{"id":11692,"date":"2020-04-27T14:27:51","date_gmt":"2020-04-27T14:27:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/?p=11692"},"modified":"2022-02-27T23:05:53","modified_gmt":"2022-02-27T23:05:53","slug":"what-are-the-rules-of-lockdown-in-northern-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/topics\/health\/what-are-the-rules-of-lockdown-in-northern-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the rules of lockdown in Northern Ireland?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>This article explains what the rules of \u201clockdown\u201d during COVID-19 are in Northern Ireland.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"538\" src=\"http:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/NI--1024x538.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-21480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/NI--1024x538.png 1024w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/NI--300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/NI--768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/NI--65x34.png 65w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/NI--150x79.png 150w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/NI--75x39.png 75w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/NI--76x40.png 76w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/NI-.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>[This article is part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdhn.org\/covid-19-information-dissemination-id-project\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">COVID-19 Information Dissemination (COVID-19 ID) Project<\/a> \u2014 a partnership between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdhn.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Community Development and Health Network (CDHN)<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/fact-checks\/new-working-partnership-covid-19-information-dissemination-covid-19-id-project\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">FactCheckNI<\/a>. Its aim is to improve people\u2019s health literacy about COVID-19 by providing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdhn.org\/covid-19-fact-checks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">accurate and up-to-date information<\/a> which will increase knowledge, understanding and confidence and enable people to make good health decisions.]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Northern Ireland is currently under \u2018lockdown\u2019 since 23 March with citizens practicing social distancing to contain the spread of COVID-19. All citizens must stay at home unless they have a reasonable excuse or necessity for leaving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Legislation was enacted on 28 March which governs enforcement by the PSNI.<\/li><li>Legislation was amended on Friday 24 April to include the opening of cemeteries and to allow for short distances travelled to safe places or facilities for exercise.<\/li><li>As of 25 April 2020, since lockdown began the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/sounds\/play\/m000hnr9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PSNI has issued 570 cautions and 358 penalty fines<\/a> (00:45).<\/li><li>The Irish Government have introduced \u2018stay at home\u2019 measures until 5 May with travel for exercise restricted to a 2km radius from the residence.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is a \u201clock down\u201d?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/assets.documentcloud.org\/documents\/6838637\/COVID-19-Strategy-Update-14April2020.pdf#page=5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">World Health Organisation<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Physical distancing measures and movement restrictions, often referred to as \u2018shut downs\u2019 and \u2018lock downs,\u2019 can slow COVID-19 transmission by limiting contact between people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UK-wide restrictions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The UK Government introduced <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\u2018stay at home\u2019 measures<\/a> on 23 March, which included all parts of the UK. The <a href=\"https:\/\/assets.publishing.service.gov.uk\/government\/uploads\/system\/uploads\/attachment_data\/file\/876279\/Full_guidance_on_staying_at_home_and_away_from_others__1_.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">primary measures<\/a> required:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>people to stay at home except for very limited purposes;<\/li><li>closing all non-essential businesses and venues; and<\/li><li>stopping gatherings of more than two people in public.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Initially in place for three weeks, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/speeches\/foreign-secretarys-statement-on-coronavirus-covid-19-16-april-2020\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UK Government extended the &#8216;stay at home\u2019 period<\/a> on 16 April for a further three weeks, running until at least 7 May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Northern Ireland and the lockdown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.health-ni.gov.uk\/sites\/default\/files\/publications\/health\/Coronavirus-Restrictiions-Regs-2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020<\/a> legislation was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk\/news\/executive-approves-new-powers-protect-public\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">introduced by Northern Ireland Executive on 28 March<\/a>. This makes the restrictions law and provides a legal framework for enforcement. It was introduced following a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parliament.uk\/site-information\/glossary\/legislative-consent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">legislative consent motion<\/a> for the Coronavirus Bill, <a href=\"http:\/\/aims.niassembly.gov.uk\/officialreport\/report.aspx?&amp;eveDate=2020\/03\/24&amp;docID=299356\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">providing consistency across all regions of the UK<\/a> and in recognition of the urgent need for the provisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/aims.niassembly.gov.uk\/officialreport\/report.aspx?&amp;eveDate=2020\/03\/24&amp;docID=299356\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Health Minister Robin Swann stated<\/a> that the legislation \u201cis being used to provide the relevant Northern Ireland Departments with the necessary and proportionate legislative powers to allow them to act in a rapid and effective way to deal with the severe pandemic\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do\/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do#can-i-go-to-the-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">UK restrictions<\/a> state that you can only leave your home for very limited circumstances which include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible;<\/li><li>one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle \u2014 alone or with members of your household;<\/li><li>any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person; and<\/li><li>travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The restrictions also state that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>gatherings of more than two people (except of people from the same household, for work purposes or for a funeral) are banned;<\/li><li>police have the powers to disperse;<\/li><li>you may visit a park alone or with members of your household to exercise; and that<\/li><li><strong>you are advised<\/strong> to stay local to exercise and not travel unnecessarily.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>An exception to the once a day exercise restriction <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do\/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do#can-i-exercise-more-than-once-a-day-if-i-need-to-due-to-a-significant-health-condition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">specifically allows people to leave their home for a medical need<\/a>, for example those with learning disabilities or <a href=\"http:\/\/www.autismni.org\/news\/2020\/04\/15\/lockdown-restrictions-eased-for-autistic-individuals.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">autism<\/a> who require exercise 2-3 times a day in an open space.<br>There has been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk\/news\/northern-ireland\/coronavirus-confusion-over-psni-advice-on-travelling-for-exercise-39126812.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">some<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/inews.co.uk\/opinion\/columnists\/northern-ireland-police-psni-lockdown-coronavirus-enforcement-2543474\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ambiguity<\/a> regarding travelling to exercise <strong>due to the advisory nature<\/strong> with police forces across the UK interpreting the advice differently. The College of Policing in England <a href=\"https:\/\/www.college.police.uk\/What-we-do\/COVID-19\/Documents\/What-constitutes-a-reasonable-excuse.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">published guidance<\/a> for police forces in England regarding appropriate enforcement, which states that travelling for exercise is \u201clikely to be a reasonable excuse\u201d if \u201cfar more time is spent walking than driving\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When contacted by FactCheckNI, the PSNI stated that while they used the College of Policing guidelines as part of their decision making process, they are asking the public to adopt a \u2018common sense approach\u2019 and ask themselves before they travel is the journey both reasonable and necessary. Outlined in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/PoliceServiceNI\/videos\/842690686206932\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">social media post<\/a>, the Assistant Chief Constable stated that as the vast majority of people can exercise from their home, travel to exercise may not be deemed necessary. The Assistant Chief Constable also stated: \u201cWe understand it is not possible to be definitive in each case, but officers will treat each case on its own merits and in a professional and proportionate manner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Cemetery-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20175\" width=\"-59\" height=\"-44\" srcset=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Cemetery-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Cemetery-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Cemetery-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Cemetery-65x49.jpg 65w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Cemetery-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Cemetery-67x50.jpg 67w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Cemetery-53x40.jpg 53w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Cemetery.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Comber Cemetery: Please respect social distancing. Comber, Northern Ireland. \u00a9 Allan LEONARD @MrUlster<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>As of Friday 24 April, the Executive <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health-ni.gov.uk\/sites\/default\/files\/publications\/health\/coronavirus-amendment-regs-2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">amended the regulations<\/a> to allow councils to open cemeteries on a restricted basis if social distancing can be practiced, and to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk\/news\/executive-approves-opening-cemeteries-restricted-basis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">allow reasonable travel for exercise<\/a> \u201cto a safe space or facility. However, taking a long drive to get to a beach, or resort where numbers of people may gather is unlikely to be regarded as reasonable, even for exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of 25 April 2020, since lockdown began the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/sounds\/play\/m000hnr9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PSNI has issued 570 cautions and 358 penalty fines<\/a> (00:42).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Playground-Exercise-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20177\" width=\"747\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Playground-Exercise-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Playground-Exercise-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Playground-Exercise-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Playground-Exercise-65x49.jpg 65w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Playground-Exercise-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Playground-Exercise-67x50.jpg 67w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Playground-Exercise-53x40.jpg 53w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-Playground-Exercise.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 747px) 100vw, 747px\" \/><figcaption>This playground will be closed until further notice. Bangor, Northern Ireland. \u00a9 Allan LEONARD @MrUlster<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Local councils across Northern Ireland have used their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk\/news\/health\/coronavirus\/coronavirus-northern-ireland-councils-shut-most-facilities-in-bid-to-halt-spread-of-virus-39082699.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">discretion in closing parks and green spaces<\/a> where social distancing could not safely be practised. Updated information is available on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nidirect.gov.uk\/contacts\/local-councils-in-northern-ireland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">council websites<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Enforcement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The legislation enables <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psni.police.uk\/advice_information\/COVID-19\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">enforcement measures<\/a> by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), which include the issuing of fines or \u2018removing\u2019 people to their home if they are not abiding by the restrictions. Fines are \u00a360 for a first offence (reduced to \u00a330 if paid within 14 days) and \u00a3120 for a repeat offence. The PSNI have stated that applying enforcement and the issuing of penalty notices (fines) are a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psni.police.uk\/advice_information\/COVID-19\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">last resort<\/a> and will be issued to those who have failed to heed advice or return home following \u2018encouragement\u2019 by the PSNI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-PSNI.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-20178\" width=\"-141\" height=\"-141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-PSNI.png 700w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-PSNI-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-PSNI-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-PSNI-65x65.png 65w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-PSNI-50x50.png 50w, https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/FactCheckNI-20200427-CDHN-Lockdown-Rules-NI-PSNI-40x40.png 40w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The PSNI stated that up to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/uk-northern-ireland-52268371\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">90% of the Northern Ireland population<\/a> were adhering to the restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The PSNI may ask members of the public who have left their homes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nidirect.gov.uk\/articles\/new-coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-and-what-they-mean-you\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">whether they have a reasonable excuse<\/a>. A reasonable excuse includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>going to a shop for food or a chemist for medication;<\/li><li>basic necessities such as taking your dog to the vet;<\/li><li>taking exercise either alone or with others who live in the same house as you;<\/li><li>getting medical assistance;<\/li><li>helping a vulnerable person that you are caring for, or to provide emergency assistance;<br>donating blood;<\/li><li>attending a funeral of a close family member or someone that you live with;<\/li><li>fulfilling a legal obligation;<\/li><li>accessing critical public services; and\/or<\/li><li>moving house if absolutely necessary.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The PSNI have introduced a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psni.police.uk\/news\/Latest-News\/100420-police-service-ni-launches-dedicated-web-page-for-social-distancing-breaches\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">webpage<\/a> that allows members of the public to report other people who are breaking the restrictions. This was launched to protect the capacity of the non-emergency 101 number which police say <a href=\"https:\/\/www.standard.co.uk\/news\/uk\/northern-ireland-police-launch-covid19-online-reporting-tool-a4412161.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">has been swamped<\/a> over the last few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Essential businesses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An Engagement Forum set up by Economy Minister Diane Dodds, chaired by the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) and consisting of representatives from business organisations, trade unions, local councils, government, the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, Public Health Agency and Food Standards Agency drew up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk\/content\/coronavirus-workplace-safety-guidance-and-priority-sector-list-published\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">a list of priority business sectors (\u2018essential businesses\u2019) and developed guidance on safe working practices during the current COVID-19 crisis<\/a>. The Northern Ireland Executive agreed to publish the papers on 20 April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Minister Dodds explained: \u201cThe list is published for advisory purposes to allow companies to make their own decisions. If a company can work within the social distancing guidelines then it should do so. The safety guidance will have practical application in the workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Restrictions in Ireland<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Friday 27 March the Irish Government <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/publication\/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">announced<\/a> public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. People were told to stay at home in all circumstances, except in the following situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>to travel to and from work where the work is considered an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/publication\/dfeb8f-list-of-essential-service-providers-under-new-public-health-guidelin\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">essential service<\/a>;<\/li><li>working in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/publication\/625292-updated-list-of-essential-retail-outlets-27th-march-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">essential shop, bank or post office<\/a>;<\/li><li>to buy food, medicines and other health products for yourself, your family or someone who is vulnerable or &#8216;cocooning&#8217;;<\/li><li>to attend medical appointments;<\/li><li>for vital family reasons including caring for children, elderly or vulnerable people but excluding social family visits;<\/li><li>to exercise within 2 kilometres of your house (you cannot exercise with people from outside your household).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The Irish Government\u2019s lockdown restrictions were originally put in place for two weeks but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/world\/video\/2020\/apr\/10\/your-sacrifices-are-making-a-difference-leo-varadkar-announces-irish-lockdown-extension-video\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">have been extended until 5 May<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The extent and application of physical distancing measures and movement restrictions vary among and between jurisdictions in the UK and Ireland, and this article may be updated to reflect future developments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>FactCheckNI is Northern Ireland\u2019s first and only dedicated independent fact-checking service and a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ifcncodeofprinciples.poynter.org\/profile\/factcheckni\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">verified signatory<\/a>&nbsp;to the International Fact-Checking Network\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.poynter.org\/ifcn-fact-checkers-code-of-principles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Code of Principles<\/a>. You can learn more about&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">about FactCheckNI<\/a>, our&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/about\/personnel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">personnel<\/a>, what our article&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/blog\/for-your-consideration-factcheckni-verdict-ratings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">verdicts<\/a>&nbsp;mean, and how to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/claims\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">submit a claim<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This article explains what the rules of \u201clockdown\u201d during COVID-19 are in Northern Ireland. [This article is part of the COVID-19 Information Dissemination (COVID-19 ID) Project \u2014 a partnership between Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) and FactCheckNI. Its aim is to improve people\u2019s health literacy about COVID-19 by providing accurate and up-to-date information which&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":21480,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,30],"tags":[216,205,94],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What are the rules of lockdown in Northern Ireland? - FactCheckNI<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/factcheckni.org\/topics\/health\/what-are-the-rules-of-lockdown-in-northern-ireland\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What are the rules of lockdown in Northern Ireland? - FactCheckNI\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"This article explains what the rules of \u201clockdown\u201d during COVID-19 are in Northern Ireland. [This article is part of the COVID-19 Information Dissemination (COVID-19 ID) Project \u2014 a partnership between Community Development and Health Network (CDHN) and FactCheckNI. 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