Frequently Asked Questions

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Frequently Asked Questions

Please find information and links below that you find useful:

NORTHERN IRELAND ASSEMBLY

What is the Northern Ireland Assembly doing about Covid-19?

The Northern Ireland Assembly and its Committees are continuing to meet, you will find information about debates, timings and Committee evidence sessions on the Assembly’s Business Diary.

You can also watch Assembly debates and Committee meetings live on the Assembly's TV site.

The Assembly has also established an Ad Hoc Committee on the COVID-19 response, you will find out more information about the Committee, agendas and when it scheduled to meet on the Committee's homepage.

You can also contact your local MLAs who may be able to provide further support and advice, you will find contact details on the MLA section of the Assembly website.

BUSINESS

What advice is there for businesses and employees?

The NI Direct Covid-19 information page provides:

You can also find further information for local businesses via https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/coronavirus

HEALTH

I have an underlying health issue, when will I receive a letter telling me to self-isolate?

GPs will be writing to those in Northern Ireland most at risk provide them with more detailed advice. In the meantime, you will find guidance and advice on the NI Direct Covid-19 page (advice for vulnerable people).

I’m a vulnerable person, where can I get information/help?

There is now a new COVID-19 Community Helpline to assist those in vulnerable groups to access information, advice and guidance in relation to COVID-19. It is open 9am to 5pm, 7 days per week. The Helpline is local to Northern Ireland, and is managed by Advice NI. The Freephone number is 0808 802 0020 and you can also get in touch via e-mail: covid19@adviceni.net and text message - Text: ACTION to 81025.

EDUCATION

I’m a key worker, how can I find a school place for my child?

You should contact the Education Authority directly. You will find advice and information on their website -https://www.eani.org.uk/key-workers

The NI Direct Covid-19 page provides further links and information in relation to a range of Education issues.

My child is entitled to free school meals, how do I find out more?

You should contact the he Education Authority directly. You will find further information and guidance in relation to free school meals on their website - https://www.eani.org.uk/getfsm

PRESS CONFERENCES / LATEST INFORMATION

What time is the daily press conference and how can I watch it?

The daily press conference is organised by The Executive Office. They are usually held at around 4pm but this can be later depending on other business. The Executive Office sends out prior notice via their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/niexecutive/ or you can follow them to get updates via Twitter @niexecutive.

The Press conference is streamed live on The Executive Office website and on its facebook page. Hope this helps.

AGRICULTURE / LOCAL COUNCILS

Are my bins still being collected?

Waste Management is the responsibility of individual councils, you will find a link to your council website here - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/local-councils-in-northern-ireland. Each Council will have a waste management section and you should also be able to access contact details for your local councillors.

Waste Management policy is also the responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, you will find further information and contact details on the Department’s website.

What’s happening with farm inspections and testing?

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is responsible for farm inspections and animal testing. You will find information on the department’s website.

INFRASTRUCTURE

What do I do if I can’t get my MOT?

The Department for Infrastructure is responsible for the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) and issues relating to the 3 month suspension of all MOTs, you will find further information, including contact details on the department’s website.

NI Direct has further links that you may find helpful - https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/motoring

JUSTICE

I’m worried about the early release of prisoners

This is the responsibility of the Department of Justice, you will find further information and contact details on the Department’s website.

People in my local community are not practicing social distancing.

If you are concerned about community safeguarding during Covid-19, you can contact your local MLAs who may be able to provide support and guidance. You will find contact details on our website here http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/mlas/search.aspx:

COMMUNITIES

What about my benefits?

The Department of Communities has set up a dedicated page providing information and updates in relation to benefits services - https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/covid-19-benefits.

I want to work or volunteer to help during Covid-19.

You can find more information about the Health and Social Care Workforce Appeal in Northern Ireland here - https://www.hscworkforceappeal.co.uk/

The Volunteer Now website also has further information https://www.volunteernow.co.uk/

You can also contact your local MLAs regarding specific community initiatives in your area. You will find contact details here http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/mlas/search.aspx.

INFORMATION APP

Is there an information App that I can download?

The Department of Health has also launched a new Covid-19 NI information app. To download the Covid-19 NI app - search for Covid-19 NI on the Apple app store and Covid-19 NI (external link opens in a new window / tab) on google play.

FURTHER GUIDANCE

What if I need further help or guidance?

Your local MLAs will be able to provide you with further support and advice. You can search by Constituency area via the Northern Ireland Assembly website - http://aims.niassembly.gov.uk/mlas/search.aspx.