Lockdown restrictions looking likely to be lifted as NI makes 'good progress'

Belfast lockdown
Author: Sasha WyliePublished 12th May 2021
Last updated 13th May 2021

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to a number of lockdown relaxations following a lengthy meeting today (Thursday).

An indicative date of May 24 was set by ministers during the last formal review of restrictions.

  • Arlene Foster said ministers have noted developments in the rest of the UK after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people in England would be able to hug each other "with caution'' from May 17.
  • Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill added: "We are hoping that we'll be able to make some progress around all these things, we are in a really good place in terms of the pandemic, we are winning.
  • "The Covid vaccine continues to be first class, so if things keep moving in the right direction we hope to be able to lift even more of the restrictions that are in place and get back to some sense of normality.''

The Executive have just been agreed the below lockdown relaxations:

May 24th

The 'stay local' messaged will be removed

May 24th

Indoor visits with will be allowed
• 6 people from no more than 2 households
• Does not include children under 12
• Can be more if household has more than 6, but not more than 10
• Overnight stays permitted

May 24th

Indoor hospitality with table service only may reopen
• The number of individuals at a table should not exceed 10
• Face coverings must be worn if you leave your table
• There should be no live music or dancing
• Social distancing should be maintained

May 24th

Resume indoor group exercise and training in numbers limited to suit the venue
• Social distancing
• Risk assessment to maximum capacity
• All contact details must be taken and retained

May 24th

Reopening the remainder of Tourist accommodation
• All contact details must be taken and retained
• Rooms/accommodation area booking in line with the permission re indoor domestic settings/bubbles
• Shared facilities will reopen
• Meeting rooms will be reopened - capacity will be to risk assessment maximum.

May 24th

500 spectators should be allowed allowed at sports events and inter-school sports events.

May 24th

This includes amusement arcades, bingo halls, museums, galleries and cinemas.
• Social distancing
• Risk assessment to maximum capacity
• All contact details must be taken and retained

May 24th

The resumption of post-wedding ceremony receptions or functions


• Risk assessment for capacity
• No restriction on top table
• Other tables maximum of ten (no household restriction)
• Children under 12 excluded from table numbers
• One dance permitted for the couple
• Music same as for licensed venues

May 24th

Ministers have agreed a 'green list' of countries where people can travel to without having to quarantine on their return.

June 21st

Theatres, concerts, conferences and exhibitions can reopen (risk assessed)

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