Business

CBI urges Executive to adopt a 'no surprises' approach to local lockdowns

A coronavirus mobile testing centre set up in response to Covid-19 cluster in Limavady Picture by Margaret McLaughlin.
A coronavirus mobile testing centre set up in response to Covid-19 cluster in Limavady Picture by Margaret McLaughlin. A coronavirus mobile testing centre set up in response to Covid-19 cluster in Limavady Picture by Margaret McLaughlin.

ONE of the north’s biggest business groups has called on the Executive to adopt a ‘no surprises’ approach to localised Covid-19 lockdowns.

The CBI has said that helping businesses and the public understand how decisions are made and improving how the messages are communicated, can play a part in easing the consequences of a local lockdown.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) said on Thursday that 23 clusters have been identified in workplaces and communities around the north since May 25.

Five clusters have been identified in the past seven days, involving 35 cases of coronavirus.

Spikes in cases have already resulted in localised lockdowns in England and Scotland.

The Department of Health confirmed yesterday that local lockdowns will be considered in Northern Ireland if deemed necessary.

“With lockdown restrictions being eased it is likely that we will see clusters and outbreaks of Covid-19,” said a spokesperson for the department.

“In circumstances where the number of cases continues to increase a range of measures will be considered, including the introduction of local lockdowns if necessary and depending on the circumstances as they arise.”

The CBI’s director in Northern Ireland, Angela McGowan said the business group is promoting a six-point action plan to improve how local lockdowns will work best here.

The proposals range from greater tansprancy on data and decisions to the timing of announcements.

The CBI has also said it’s important there is clarity on what people can do and what they can’t do in a local lockdown.

“The local Executive will need to act fast on new information, so there may be limited notice, but we must aim for a ‘no surprises’ approach as far as possible,” said Ms McGowan.

“Not all restrictions are one-size-fits-all, as we have seen from the full lockdown in Leicester and the household-based restrictions in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and elsewhere. Each will have their own impact on businesses directly and indirectly, so we must get the building blocks in place to protect jobs, as well as lives.

“We are learning all the time, and now have more tools in our armoury to combat infection risks. But at the same time business resilience is lower than it has ever been, with cash and stockpiles run down. So we must get this right.”