COVID-19: After four long months, NI finally takes its first steps out of lockdown
Hairdressers among the first businesses to re-open
Last updated 23rd Apr 2021
Northern Ireland’s long-awaited emergence from lockdown began in earnest today (Friday).
After a four-month period of closure due to the pandemic, scores of close-contact services were opening their doors again.
These included hairdressers, beauty salons and outdoor visitor attractions.
Driving lessons are also back while grassroots competitive sport can also take place outdoors – albeit with restrictions.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds spent the morning in Lisburn and was positive in her outlook for businesses.
She spoke to the media, including Downtown Radio & Cool FM during a visit to the Natural Hair Company salon.
“It's the start of a road back to rebuilding and recovering our economy and a bit of normality,'' she said.
“It has been an absolutely torrid year, particularly for our retail, for these close-contact services. The cycle of lockdowns has been really, really devastating.
“We want to see the economy reopen safely, we want to see it reopen sustainably, and we want to move forward.
“Next week is another momentous week, and we will reopen all of retail, reopen hospitality outdoors and reopen self-contained accommodation. It's a really big step forward.''
On Thursday, First Minister Arlene Foster said the exit from lockdown will move faster if possible.
She said the Executive will keep looking to see if we can move faster''.
Further restrictions are to be lifted next week, when pubs and restaurants can serve customers in outdoor settings, in groups of six, from no more than two households.
All non-essential retail will return, and takeaways and off-licences will have curfews lifted.
Self-contained tourist accommodation, such as caravans and rented holiday homes, will be allowed to operate.
Gyms and swimming pools will reopen for individual activities.
The limit on outdoor gatherings in domestic gardens will increase to 15 people from no more than three households.
More restrictions are set to be lifted on May 24, although these are subject to review.
From that date, pubs and restaurants can operate indoors, people will be allowed to gather in homes, and indoor attractions can reopen.
Other tourist accommodation such as hotels and B&Bs can re-open.