Dear reader

It’s been less than 24 hours since the Stormont Executive announced plans for a controversial new six-week lockdown for Northern Ireland. 

It’s fair to say the reaction has been mixed, with Simon Hamilton of the Belfast Chamber leading the chorus of criticism from the business community which has been ravaged by a string of lockdowns and so-called circuit breakers. 

Friday has been marked by a war of words breaking out between the DUP and Sinn Fein the aftermath of the announcement. Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, has issued a rebuke to her Sinn Fein counterpart Michelle O’Neill, who in an interview with RTE, had accused the DUP of ignoring the advice issued by medical leaders in Northern Ireland. 

The latest Covid statistics show that another 12 people with the virus have died in Northern Ireland, bringing the Province’s toll to 1,166. The Department of Health figures also recorded another 510 new cases of the virus over the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) has released new statistics showing that 1,594 with coronavirus had died here by December 11. 

For those people who are anxious to know when they might receive a coronavirus vaccine, this article may be able to provide you with an answer. 

I hope you are able to enjoy your weekend in these trying times. 

Alistair Bushe
Editor