NI takes big step out of lockdown as more restrictions lifted
Last updated 24th May 2021
Indoor hospitality has reopened as Northern Ireland takes another step out of lockdown.
Easements have been made across a number of sectors including tourism, weddings and hospitality.
People are now able to meet inside private homes for the first time this year.
Six people from no more than two households can meet in a private dwelling and stay overnight.
Indoor visitor and cultural attractions can also reopen from May 24 - this includes museums, galleries, cinemas, indoor play areas, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, bingo halls and libraries.
In regard to indoor hospitality, people can sit at tables of six people with no limit on households. It will be table service only.
Post-wedding and civil partnership receptions can also take place once again.
There will be no limit on the numbers at the top table, with a limit of 10 for other tables. Dancing will be restricted to a couple's first dance.
Travel
A "green list'' of countries where people can travel to without having to quarantine on their return is also in place from Monday.
The Northern Ireland list will follow those agreed elsewhere in the UK and include destinations like Israel, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Iceland.
Those travelling back from a number of the green list countries, including Portugal, Singapore and Israel, will have to undergo Covid-19 testing on their return to Northern Ireland.
First Minister Arlene Foster said the Executive was pleased to confirm the reopening of more parts of society.
"After an anxious wait for many, this is great news for our people and our economy,'' she said.
"I want to thank the public for their patience and perseverance, and I commend all those sectors who have worked diligently to prepare for restart.
"Now is a time to look ahead and to enjoy these hard-won freedoms safely. We must continue to do all we can as a community to keep ourselves and each other safe, and I appeal to everyone to be cautious to help ensure we can keep heading in the right direction.''
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)