Northern Ireland’s Pathway to Recovery Unveiled
Now is the time to look forward, in a hopeful way
Last updated 2nd Mar 2021
Northern Ireland’s roadmap out of lockdown has been agreed by the Executive this afternoon.
Ministers met yesterday morning to examine their 'Pathway to Recovery' document but publication was delayed after some parties asked for more clarity.
The blueprint focused on nine key areas, outlining their action on everything from education to retail, with the hope of slowly easing social restrictions.
Michelle O’Neill said the NI Executive has taken a “careful, cautious and hopeful approach” to existing restrictions.
Ministers made clear today’s blueprint will be led by data - not dates! Decisions on when to move between stages will be based on scientific and medical evidence, not the calendar.
Nine step recovery program:
The Executive will review the progress of the pathway at set points, understood to be every four weeks.
Hospitality
All hospitality businesses remain closed with the exception of those who offer takeaway services currently. Restrictions will gradually ease by Phase 3 when premises that serve alcohol, such as restaurants or gastropubs, open their doors offering table service for up to six people from two households.
Wet pubs won't open until Phase 4, and similarly must offer table service for up to six people from two households. Nightclubs will open, with live entertainment and bar service from Phase 5.
Education & Young People
P1 to P3 primary school children will return to school on March 8, and on March 22 secondary school children in key exam years - years 12-14 - will go back to class.
All schoolchildren will be expected to return to class after the Easter holidays.
Further Education and University students are not expected to completely return to face-to-face learning until the final step.
Work
Working from home has become the new normal for so many – and it looks set to stay, well at least until Phase 3. There will be a gradual return to offices and on-site working, with seminars and meetings allowed.
Workplaces should be back up and running by Phase 5.
Retail & Service
Only essential retail services are available right now, with all close contact services closed and curfew on alcohol off-sales. Phase 2 will begin from April 12th which sees the return of Click & Collect non-essential retail, then the off-sales curfew will be lifted in third phase. Close contact services can also resume, with mitigations in place.
The goal would be for all retail and close contact services to open for Phase 5.
Culture, Heritage & Entertainment
Outdoor attractions will reopen under the Executive's new plan in Phase 1. Heritage sites, museums and libraries are available from Phase 3.
Cinemas, concert venues and theatres will reopen during Phase 4, and lastly large outdoor events back for Phase 5!
Home & Community
The stay at home message is still important - but today we've been given a glimpse into what the next few months will look like.
Phase 1 will allow for up to 10 from 1 households to meet outdoors, and by phase 3 there will be a restricted number allowed indoors not at a private dwelling.
Sport & Leisure Activities
Social-distanced sports such as golf and tennis are back up and running, under strict covid regulations.
Outdoor training can kickstart from Phase 2, with leisure centres, pools and gym opening in Phase 3. By the end of Phase 4 there will be a limit to indoor/outdoor spectators, and Phase 5 sees further numbers allowed both indoor and outdoor
Travel
Something we're all looking forward – there hasn't been much movement in terms of travel. Caravan sites and overnight stays at hotels and B&Bs will return in Phase 3, with public transport running at full service with reduced mitigations by Phase 5.
Worship & Ceremonies
Lockdown restrictions currently allow 25 guests to civil partnerships, marriages and funerals. Things ease off slightly, as receptions can take place with mitigation and limited numbers by Phase 3.
Phase 4 sees the return of limited live music and Phase 5 will allow live music, entertainment and dancing at the reception!
The Executive’s next review of the Coronavirus Regulations will take place on 16th March - we don't expect the current lockdown measures to change significantly before Easter.
DFM O'Neill added: "We publish our documents today and we ask everyone to take time to read and digest, to think about the need for caution in our approach, to continue to follow the public health advice, and most certainly to take the vaccine when it is offered.
"We have hope for this year, and we will get there together.''
Read more:
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