COVID-19: 'I would sincerely hope this is the last lockdown of this nature' Robin Swann
Last updated 18th Feb 2021
Robin Swann has revealed he is hopeful this will be the end of lockdown in Northern Ireland as we know it.
Speaking exclusively to Downtown & Cool FM for a year-long special since the first case of covid in Northern Ireland, the Health Minister said with the progress made on vaccines, there was every chance the current form of “severe” lockdown would not be repeated.
“We’re in an extreme lockdown now,” he said. “I would sincerely hope that with the reaction that we have and the uptake we have in the vaccine programme the steps we have taken, it should be.
“I hope it is the last lockdown of this nature.”
But Mr Swann warned that there would not be an instant easing of restrictions – and he said we all had to play our part in ensuring a safe lifting.
“It’s how we manage coming out of it,” he said. “It is about taking that step – proportionate responsible approach – as to how we come out now.
“There would be no point rushing out of this lockdown to have to go into another one.”
Mr Swann’s comments come as the Executive prepares to meet later today (Thursday) to review the current lockdown and decide what needs to be done before any restrictions can be lifted.