Restrictions could lift earlier than expected
There is a possibility of "accelerating that process"
Last updated 14th Apr 2021
Health Minister Robin Swann agrees now is the time to give people dates to re-open and start to come out of lockdown.
Speaking this afternoon at a health media briefing , Swann said: "I believe that, the time is now right for the Executive to proceed with further easing of restrictions including some indicative dates."
"The scales are tipping in favour of relaxing some restrictions, and of accelerating that process. This is thanks in no small measure to how you have all stuck with the restrictions and the progress of our vaccination programme."
"I believe that, the time is now right for the Executive to proceed with further easing of restrictions including some indicative dates to let people and businesses look ahead with greater optimism."
What new guidelines can we look forward to tomorrow?
Caravans, hairdressers and barbers could open sooner than planned as Health Minister gives green light.
Mr Swann said he wants people to have more opportunities to meet up with family and friends outdoors in as safe a way as possible.
“It should mean getting back to the hairdressers and getting back to the barbers, as it should mean more businesses opening and considering even more people getting back to their caravans earlier than we’d have previously thought.”
“To all those that have been bending my ear, and making those asks, let me just say to them, I have listened to you, and I hear you. I can confirm that my department has now fed into the central process, and whilst I will not pre-empt any decisions ahead of tomorrow’s Executive, I do hope the agreed review will show clear signs of positivity and progress.”
Stormont ministers are expected to agree a timetable for reopening society in Northern Ireland that will cover several months when they meet on Thursday (April 15th).
The powersharing executive in Belfast has faced criticism for not incorporating indicative dates into its blueprint for exiting Covid-19 lockdown.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill told her Assembly scrutiny committee that progress in suppressing the virus meant ministers were now in a position where they could provide projected timelines.
First Minister Arlene Foster has already expressed hope that opening dates for close-contact services, such as hairdressers and beauticians, and non-essential retail will be announced after the meeting
Ms O'Neill suggested that relaxation plans emerging from the meeting would cover several months.
"Myself and Arlene have been speaking with officials for some time saying that we wanted to see dates put to this (the lockdown exit plan),'' she told the Executive Office committee.
"So I'm glad that now, I'm hopeful actually that tomorrow the Executive will be able to sign off on dates on what it look likes for the next number of months.''
NI's 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!
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