Dear reader

The economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic has already been felt across Northern Ireland, and there will surely be more pain to come. 

With that in mind the Stormont Executive has pledged £11m to support city and town centres in their economic recoveries.

It also emerged on Monday that the Covid-19 Infection Survey, which has already been operating in England and Wales, is to be extended to Northern Ireland.

The survey will initially see 500 households here being contacted to take part in a survey to establish current coronavirus rates. Participants provide samples taken from self-administered nose and throat swabs and answer questions during a home visit by a trained study worker.

Meanwhile, the controversy about the 14-day quarantine imposed on Northern Ireland travellers arriving back in Spain shows no sign of abating. Holiday-makers arriving back from Spain have spoken of their anger at the decision announced at the weekend. Stormont ministers have said they are examining measures that would help those who have to quarantine on their return. 

Alistair Bushe
Editor

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