Face coverings: 'People understand lives are at stake'

Shoppers and retailers in Northern Ireland have been adapting after masks became compulsory in shops and other enclosed indoor spaces.

The decision was taken by ministers last week as part of efforts to suppress Covid-19. Infections in NI have risen three-fold since early July.

Stormont said it wanted enforcement to be light-touch but warned fines of up to £60 were possible.

There are exemptions including for staff in shops, children under 13 and those with an illness or impairment.

The Department of Health said it would be an offence to breach the law without having a "reasonable excuse".

But some retailers have said they still lack clarity on the issue.

Read full story here.

10 August 2020

A model in black coat and large hat posing

Supermodel seal of approval for Ireland Fashion Week

Ireland Fashion Week is under way with more than 80 designers showcasing their work.

Northern Ireland

A young pupil in a red school uniform blazer

'You can talk about your feelings without anybody judging you'

Around 100 school children have taken part in an art project to help them deal with bereavement.

Northern Ireland

A man wearing a shirt leans on a car holding two blue 'R' stickers

What are some of the new rules for learner drivers?

The new restrictions are particularly aimed at 17 to 23-year-olds

Northern Ireland

Woman's Rights Network to move ahead with legal action against Féile an Phobail

The women's organisation bstarted legal proceedings after Féile an Phobail cancelled an event it was due to hold

Northern Ireland

CCTV footage from inside a cafe shows a man climbing inside after breaking the window

Watch CCTV footage as Belfast cafe broken into

A business owner has said the current state of Belfast poses "a serious risk" to the city's reputation after his business was broken into and vandalised.

Northern Ireland

The grandstand at a derelict Casement Park.

New twist in Casement tale as capacity slashed over funding issues

It is expected that Casement Park's capacity will now be much lower than the 34,000 previously planned.

Northern Ireland

Lyra McKee stands with her arms folded in front of a brightly painted wall. She is a young woman with short black hair, with a fringe over her forehead coming to rest on her glasses. She is smiling She is wearing a brown tweed jacket over a white a navy striped top.

Why was there no jury in the Lyra McKee murder trial?

The 29-year-old died after being shot as she stood close to police vehicles, watching disturbances in the Creggan area of Londonderry in April 2019.

Northern Ireland

Noah Donohoe, a boy with dark hair, wearing a black blazer, with a white shirt and green, black and white tie.

Noah Donohoe inquest adjourned until later this year

The inquest has been examining the circumstances of Noah's death

Northern Ireland

a red test tube with an Mpox label on it

Over 20 mpox cases last month in NI

Only nine cases of mpox had been reported in Northern Ireland since 2023

Northern Ireland

A Civil Service banner at the 2025 Belfast Pride parade

Northern Ireland Civil Service not participating in Pride

There are more than 24,000 staff across the NICS, making it one of Northern Ireland's largest employers.

Northern Ireland

A red car with a sign on top which says 'NI Driving School' and an L sign

New rules for learner drivers coming in October

Northern Ireland is becoming the first part of the UK to introduce graduated driving licenses in a bid to reduce fatal road crashes involving young people.

Northern Ireland

a woman in a red shirt looks at the camera

Why you can't comment on the Donaldson trial

Why you can't comment on videos about the Sir Jeffrey Trial

Northern Ireland

Donaldson trial summarised in 60 seconds

A summary of Jeffrey Donaldson's landmark criminal trial

Northern Ireland

How the Donaldson story unfolded on Good Friday

How the Donaldson story broke on Good Friday

A look back at coverage following the news of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson's arrest and resignation as DUP leader.

Northern Ireland

A woman and a man with their arms linked, seated and smiling at the camera

'We struggled to make friends until we started inviting strangers for dinner'

When Nidhi Pal, 38, and Vik Parashar, 46, moved from India to Belfast, they found, while people were warm and friendly, building lasting connections was difficult. So the couple came up with an unusual way to expand their circle - a dinner party made up of ten strangers.

Northern Ireland

What happened at Muckamore Abbey Hospital?

The long-awaited final report into the abuse of vulnerable adults at Muckamore Abbey Hospital is due to be published on Thursday.

Northern Ireland

A Glider bus on fire in front of a bus sign which says 'Apologies for any inconvenience'.

Was it an overreaction to cancel buses and trains after disorder?

Translink apologised, saying "it was prioritising keeping staff, passengers, and the wider public safe".

Northern Ireland

A tall rise building with a sign in front of it saying 'Home Office' and 'UK Visas & Immigration'

Government crackdown on illegal migrants to 'intensify'

The UK government says its going to crackdown on illegal migrants living in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland

Vivian Panka as Regina George in the Mean Girls musical.

Mean Girls run at Belfast's Grand Opera House cancelled due to unrest

Vivian Panka, who plays Regina George, says she has been scared to leave her room.

Northern Ireland

Police officers wearing riot gear stand beside vans as fires are lit in the distance.

Nurse chased by masked men as second night of disorder breaks out

A nurse was chased into the Ulster Hospital by four masked men as disorder continued for a second night.

Northern Ireland