NI businesses to be given indicative dates as ministers review lockdown restrictions
Last updated 15th Apr 2021
Businesses are due to get dates for re-opening on Thursday as the Executive formally review lockdown restrictions.
It's understood they will publish dates for the next several months, covering most sectors in Northern Ireland.
Close contact services look set to open by the end of next week, followed later by non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality, Downtown and Cool FM news understands.
It is also looking unlikely there will be a joint media briefing that is usually held in Dungannon. Ministers are due to give the update in the Assembly chamber.
The powersharing executive in Belfast has faced criticism for not incorporating indicative dates into its blueprint for exiting Covid-19 lockdown.
Speaking on Wednesday. Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said progress in suppressing the virus meant ministers were now in a position where they could provide projected timelines.
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)''.
"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.''
Northern Ireland took some further gradual steps out of lockdown on Monday.
The remainder of post-primary students, years eight to 11, returned to schools while a limited number of outdoor-focused retail outlets, such as garden centres and car dealerships, reopened.
The "stay-at-home'' messaging was also replaced with "stay local'' advice.
Other relaxations on Monday saw the number of people who can meet outdoors in a garden, including children, increase from six to 10.
Click-and-collect services for non-essential retail also resumed.
Outdoor sports training is now allowed for recognised clubs, in groups of up to 15, provided all indoor facilities except toilets remain closed.
The number of people allowed to attend marriage and civil partnership ceremonies has also increased, at a level informed by a risk assessment for the venue.
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!