Alliance Welcomes News Of Potential Coronavirus Vaccine

News of a potential breakthrough in the search for a coronavirus vaccine has been welcomed by Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw, however, she added that caution is needed as the detail of the vaccine and the logistics of any delivery are worked out.

Stating that challenges were still ahead, the South Belfast MLA, said: "The challenge now is to work out exactly what kind and length of immunity this vaccine will offer, and how the logistics of meeting the orders requires will be handled. It should be emphasised the whole process, including distribution, will take many months even if all goes perfectly.

"For now we await the outcome of further safety tests and the detail of the protection offered. I note 30 million doses have been ordered by the UK Government, and we now require a four-nation agreement on how to take forward the logistics and ensure the most vulnerable are protected.

"This breakthrough re-emphasises the need to keep transmission rates low pending the delivery of the vaccine. I would urge the Executive to consider carefully its next steps with that in mind."

New Online Service For Domestic Septic Tank Consents

A new digital online service for domestic septic tank consents has been launched by Environment Minister Edwin Poots.

Rural householders will now be able to apply online for a new discharge consent, transfer ownership of a discharge consent or amend an existing consent. The online service through the DAERA website will remove the need for paper application forms and payment by cheque.

Launching the new online platform Minister Poots said: "The consent to discharge process is vital in enabling NIEA to protect our waterways and vulnerable habitats by regulating the location and performance of private treatment systems, where connection to the mains sewerage system is not possible."

Sinn Féin Call For End To 'Nonsense And Rhetoric' On Brexit

Businesses in the north need certainty over Brexit "not more nonsense and rhetoric from the British government", Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said.

The South Down MP continued: "As the Brexit future relationship negotiations get underway again for what is being billed as a crucial week, it is vital that the interests of the north of Ireland are upheld.

"The clock is loudly ticking and our businesses, our traders and our farmers need certainty about what will happen.

"A series of unique protections have been agreed by the EU and the British government in order to prevent any hardening of the border, to protect the all-Ireland economy and to protect the Good Friday Agreement.

"Boris Johnson and the British government negotiators need to cut the nonsense and rhetoric and remember what they have already agreed to and implement it."