Four year old Amelia has a short and sweet message for Stormont Executive
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Last updated 14th Apr 2021
It's been a tough week for us all in Northern Ireland, as the rest of the UK eased more of their lockdown restrictions, including outdoor hospitality, hairdressers and non-essential retail.
Meanwhile some of us here are struggling to remember what life used to be like, without masks, regulations and endless hand sanitiser.
The Stormont Executive revealed last month that NI's lockdown exit strategy would be powered by 'data, not dates.'
For one young school girl in Belfast, enough is enough! Amelia Sproston (four years old) recorded this message for the Executive yesterday: "Come on Arlene...open the pubs!"
Amelia's mum Hannah got in touch with Cool FM's Stuart Robinson, who shared the hilarious clip on social media and it soon went viral!
It wasn't long before First Minister Arlene Foster got in touch with this teasing reply: "I'm trying my best Amelia."
Could this mean there might be something to look forward to sometime soon?
Yesterday afternoon, Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she is "hopeful" the Executive will agree some further reopening dates this Thursday (April 15th).
A number of restrictions eased earlier this week, with all pupils returning to schools across Northern Ireland.
While click & collect services have been extended to non-essential retail and outdoor retailers can operate, beauty, leisure and hospitality services are all eagerly awaiting dates for reopening.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news on air, on social and online.
Check out Northern Ireland'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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