Businesses and event organisers who defy Stormont's coronavirus bans and closure orders will face fines up to £100,000, the Northern Ireland Justice Minister has warned.
Naomi Long said the financial penalties are among new powers set to be made available to the Stormont Executive through emergency laws being passed at Westminster.
Addressing the Assembly on the crisis, Ms Long also said any prisoners who might potentially be released early to alleviate pressure on the prisons system during the emergency would first be assessed to ensure they do not pose a risk to the public or themselves.
Ms Long joined Assembly members from across the chamber condemning those who continue to ignore social distancing advice. "It is not good enough for