Updates to Northern Ireland lockdown restrictions
The following will be effective from April 12th 👇
Last updated 1st Apr 2021
The Executive met today to discuss NI's Pathway to Recovery with the prospect of easing certain lockdown restrictions.
Ministers have proposed the following restriction updates, effective from 12th April
👨🎓 All remaining pupils to return to school
👨👩👦👦 The number who can meet outdoors in a garden, from six to 10 (including children) from two households.
🛍 Contactless ‘click and collect’ for all non-essential retail to resume.
Outdoor retail will reopen, which comprises:
🚗 New & Used Car Retailers; Retailers of Light Motor Vehicles, Lorries & Trailers; Retailers of Caravans or Motorhomes; Retailers of Agricultural or Other Large Machinery.
🌱 Garden Centres and Plant Nurseries
🧽 Car Washes
🏃♂️ Outdoor sports training can resume by sports clubs affiliated with recognised sports Governing Bodies.
👰 Potential marriage and civil partnership customers can view the facilities of venues used for marriages and civil partnerships, such as hotels and other venues, restricted to a maximum of four customers per visit.
⚽️ The provision for up to 15 people, as previously agreed, will include structured outdoor sports training organised by clubs/individuals affiliated to recognised sports governing bodies or representative. organisations for sport and physical activity.
💍 An increase the number permitted to attend marriages, civil partnerships and funerals, which will be informed by a risk assessment for the venue.
⛔️ The ‘stay at home’ provision to a ‘stay local’ message.
The Executive has agreed to review further lockdown restrictions April 15th.
Check out NI's Pathway to Recovery Guidelines:
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!
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