SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 22Powers to issue directions relating to events, gatherings and premises

PART 5Powers relating to events, gatherings and premises in Northern Ireland

Declaration of threat to public health in Northern Ireland due to coronavirus

X137

1

If at any time the Executive Office is of the view that—

a

the incidence or transmission of coronavirus constitutes a serious and imminent threat to public health in Northern Ireland, and

b

the powers conferred by this Part of this Schedule will be an effective means of—

i

preventing, protecting against, delaying or otherwise controlling the incidence or transmission of coronavirus in Northern Ireland, or

ii

facilitating the most appropriate deployment of medical or emergency personnel and resources in Northern Ireland,

the Executive Office may make a declaration to that effect.

2

If, having made a declaration under this paragraph, the Executive Office ceases to be of the view mentioned in sub-paragraph (1), the Executive Office must revoke the declaration.

3

A declaration or the revocation of a declaration under this paragraph—

a

is to be made by being published online, and

b

must, as soon as reasonably practicable after it is made, also be published in the Belfast Gazette.

4

Before making or revoking a declaration under this paragraph, the Executive Office must consult the Chief Medical Officer or any of the Deputy Chief Medical Officers of the Department of Health in Northern Ireland.

5

The Executive Office may make a declaration under this paragraph on more than one occasion.