DAERA Minister, Edwin Poots MLA, has announced a simplification of the Basic Payments Scheme that will be introduced for the 2021 scheme year.

Health Minister Robin Swann has stressed the importance of seeking help on this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day.

The Health Minister commented: “The Covid 19 pandemic has made us all acutely aware of how our mental health needs must be met as well as our physical needs. The restrictions put on our daily lives and routines have meant that for many of us loneliness and feelings of desperation have crept in, but I want to reinforce on this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day there is support and help available to anyone who needs it. No one must feel that there is no other option.

The Executive has today decided to introduce a series of localised restrictions to stem the increase in Covid-19 cases and keep people safe.

From this Saturday those arriving in Northern Ireland from Portugal (excluding Madeira and the Azores), Hungary, French Polynesia, and Réunion will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

The Department of Health continues to publish the Covid-19 reproduction number on a weekly basis.