“It is time to give businesses those dates” urges Economy Minister
Diane Dodds said she thinks now is the right time to give businesses more certainty and clarity about reopening
Last updated 7th Apr 2021
The Economy Minister has called for businesses in Northern Ireland to be given dates for reopening.
Diane Dodds has put papers to the Executive providing a detailed dated timeline for when and how sectors of the economy can start to reopen.
She said: “Within that plan there is a timeframe for reopening of the economy we already see some of that reopening on Monday and I hope that very soon thereafter we will be opening the rest of what we loosely call non-essential retail.
“But of course, we know that the longer we do without it the more essential it actually becomes.
“Now, is the time to reopen our economy and get ahead with dealing with the negative impacts health and economy of high unemployment and the lockdowns and the cycle of lockdowns that we have experienced.”
It comes after the First Minister, Arlene Foster, said yesterday (Tuesday) that some dates might be released next week for close contact services, hairdressers, beauticians, and nonessential retail.
Northern Ireland is the only part of the United Kingdom not to have provided dates for when lockdown easements can be made.
England, Scotland, and wales all have dates for the reopening of non-essential retail, close contact services and other sectors.
Stormont Ministers normally meet on a Thursday to discuss the current lockdown restrictions and any potential further easements.
However, the next Covid review isn’t until next Thursday as the Executive is currently off for Easter Recess.
Mrs Dodds said in an interview with Downtown Radio and Cool Fm that it is not within her power to recall the Executive back early, but if it was to be return before the next review date her officials are ready.
“We need to get ahead with reopening so that we can avoid further damage, start to grow the economy and rebuilt our economy.”
She added: “If the Executive meets tomorrow, it’s not within my gift but certainly I am ready, the officials are ready I know this morning discussion the plan again and I hope that we can go forward with it.
“Well I would like to see the Executive to publish a timeline of dates it is time to give businesses clarity and certainty to help them to plan, to order in stock to do all the kinds of things they need to do to bring staff off furlough.
“The papers that I have sent into the Executive give outline timeframes of course it is for the Executive given the health advise to choose that particular pathway.
“People are absolute fed up with Covid, fed up with restrictions, fed up with the way their lives have been impacted.
“We need to do that for, just even perhaps to lift the mood, but also, we need to do that so businesses can plan and work forward.
“I want to give businesses more certainty, more clarity on the way ahead, we want to open the economy and we want above anything to give people a greater sense of normality in their lives.
“We need to get ahead with reopening so that we can avoid further damage, start to grow the economy and rebuilt our economy.”
NI's current Pathway to Recovery:
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!
Read More:
Northern Ireland’s Pathway to Recovery Unveiled
Stormont Assembly to be recalled after days of violence across NI
Arlene Foster blames "malign and criminal elements'' for whipping up violence and disorder
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