Health Minister Robin Swann has today published details of a new bespoke home childcare scheme to meet the childcare needs of keyworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) will suspend the testing of HGVs (lorries) and trailers, and buses for three months from the last test today, following the latest advice about the spread of the Coronavirus.

Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has written to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak urging him to support all workers impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.

As of 2pm on Sunday 22 March, testing has resulted in 20 new positive cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland to 128.

The letter clarifies that childcare – both day care and childminding – will continue in Northern Ireland to meet the needs of parents who are key workers and vulnerable children.