Lockdown relaxations confirmed by Stormont Executive
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Last updated 16th Mar 2021
Stormont ministers have agreed a series of lockdown relaxations including a timetable for returning all schoolchildren to classes in Northern Ireland.
The Stormont Executive has agreed the following relaxations to lockdown, from April 1st
Up to six people from no more than two households can meet outdoors in a private garden.
- Ten people, from no more than two households, able to participate in outdoor sporting activities. Golf courses to reopen (clubhouses to remain closed).
- Click and collect purchases allowed from garden centres and plant nurseries.
From April 12
- Up to ten people from no more than two households can meet outdoors in a private garden.
- Click and collect at all non-essential retail outlets.
- Stay at home' requirement lifts and will be replaced by 'stay local' message.
- Outdoor sports training to resume for sports clubs affiliated with recognised governing bodies with no more than 15 participants in one training group. Indoor club facilities, apart from toilets, to remain closed.
April 12 measures are subject to final ratification by the Executive in the week before they come into effect, likely on April 8.
Schools Update
The Executive agreed all primary school children will return to classes in Northern Ireland this coming Monday.
Primary pupils in years P1 to P3 are already back in classes and secondary school children in year groups 12 to 14 are due back on Monday March 22.
The final cohort - secondary pupils in years 8 to 11 - will go back to classes on April 12 after the Easter holidays.
St Patrick's Day and Easter Guidance
Deputy First Minister Arlene Foster urges young people to stay safe during key events in the upcoming weeks. "Please continue to stay at home, do not socialise outside your family or your bubble, you need to follow the rules and advice."
Last month, the PSNI reported that in one day, £11,000 of covid related fines were handed out in the area due to gatherings contrary to the Health Protection Regulations currently in place.
The message today is until April 12th 'stay home.'
The next formal review period is April 15th, we don't expect to see any updates until then.
We'll keep you up-to-date with the latest news on air, online and on social.
Read more:
"Going nuts" risks delaying reopening society - St Patrick's Day plea
NI Executive agrees timetable for full school return
CMO warns of 'autumn surge' if restrictions eased too quickly