View source for Hundreds Rally In Belfast Against Covid Cert Scheme

<br>A rally protesting against Northern Ireland's Covid-19 certification scheme has taken place in Belfast, with several hundred people gathering outside the City Hall.<br><br>Many of those in attendance were carrying anti-vaccine and anti-Covid certification placards and banners.<br><br>Police temporarily closed one of the busiest roads in the city, as a number of speakers addressed the rally.<br><br>Demonstrators were told that the event was not a protest against vaccines, but rather opposing the certification regulations which were introduced on Monday.<br><br>The certification scheme is currently mandatory in licensed premises, as well as cinemas and theatres.<br><br>People entering these premises will be asked for proof of vaccination or a negative test result under the regulations.<br><br>Speakers at the City Hall rally told the crowd that it was an event to campaign for everyone to be treated equally 'regardless of their medical status'.<br><br>Beside the rally, shoppers queued to gain access to the Christmas market in the grounds of the City Hall where they were asked to show their vaccination certificates.<br><br>Health Minister Robin Swann said yesterday that 86,000 people have applied to the domestic certification scheme this week.<br><br>He also said that a helpline to give assistance to those applying for the paper or digital certificates is currently dealing with 3,000 calls a day.<br><br>The issue has caused controversy in the Executive, with the DUP opposing mandatory Covid certification.<br><br>MLAs are set to hold a debate on the regulations next week.<br><br>Meanwhile, around 50 community pharmacies are taking part in the Big Jab Weekend across Northern Ireland this weekend, designed to increase uptake of the booster vaccine.<br><br>The pharmacies are providing first and second doses to anyone over 18,  Top Site Info as well as booster jabs for those who are eligible.<br><br>The programme in pharmacies will complement the ongoing booster provision by a network of health trust hubs, trust walk-in clinics and GPs.<br><br>The chief executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene, said: 'Throughout the pandemic, the community pharmacy workforce has gone above and beyond to support people across Northern Ireland and have played a vital role in rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine.<br><br>'Pharmacies are ideally placed in the heart of communities and provide a very accessible option for people - I would encourage people to come forward for vaccination this weekend and get that all-important protection that vaccination provides.'<br><br>A further nine deaths of patients who had previously tested positive for Covid-19 have been reported in Northern Ireland.<br><br><br>If you liked this article and you would like to get more details concerning TSI kindly stop by our website.