Herald section
The latest politics reporting from The Belfast Herald.
Catherine Kelly, a Sinn Féin MLA for West Tyrone, resigned after failing to repay £10,000 from a Stormont emergency Covid fund. The payment was made to an account she signed for.
Robin Swann stated that expectations of normality after four weeks of restrictions are unfounded, citing ongoing risks to public health and the healthcare system.
Elisha McCallion resigned from her Seanad and Upper Bann constituency roles after failing to return money from a Stormont emergency Covid fund she was not entitled to. The funds were repaid after being received months earlier.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy announced a £560m funding package for Northern Ireland's health service to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Minister Robin Swann stated he is deeply concerned about the postponement of cancer procedures in Northern Ireland, following the cancellation of 106 cancer surgeries in the Belfast Trust area. The Department of Health has been urged to address the impact of the pandemic on elective care.
First Minister Arlene Foster states that contact tracing in Northern Ireland must be scaled up to address rising coronavirus cases and prevent further spread.
Health Minister Robin Swann is self-isolating after receiving a close proximity notice from Northern Ireland's track and trace app.
Education Minister Peter Weir confirmed 1,491 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Northern Ireland schools from 24 August to 13 October, affecting pupils and staff across the system.
