Under the powers, fines of up to £5,000 can be handed out to those failing to follow laws aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 result from the emergency legislation passed at Westminster. The executive faced some criticism for the length of time it has taken to translate the Westminster laws into legally enforceable powers in Northern Ireland. The deaths of two further people with coronavirus in Northern Ireland were reported on Saturday, taking the region's death toll to 15. "We are asking the people of Northern Ireland to make fundamental changes to how they live their lives.

Source: Irish Independent March 29, 2020 08:15 UTC