Executive outlines plans to move NI out of lockdown

Lockdown will only be lifted in Northern Ireland in gradual stages. Credit: PA

Northern Ireland will be gradually eased out of lockdown in a five-stage plan, but no dates have been assigned to the stages.

The Northern Ireland Executive has published a document outlining its approach on easing restrictions imposed to try to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Its decision-making is based on three criteria – the most up-to-date scientific evidence, the ability of the health service to cope, and the wider impacts on health, society and the economy.

The regulations will be reviewed every three weeks.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: “We recognise how difficult the current restrictions are.

“But those restrictions, and the determined people of Northern Ireland who have adhered to them, have saved lives and continue to do so.

“We don’t want to keep any restriction in place any longer than we have to, but in relaxing any measure, we must be cognisant of the potential effects in the transmission of the virus and our ability to save lives.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “We don’t underestimate the impact that the severe restrictions have had on everyone across our society.

“While they are still absolutely necessary, it is important that we give people hope for the future.”

She added: “The Executive’s strategy is not time bound, because it’s vital that we retain the flexibility needed to respond to the complex emerging situation based on all relevant evidence.

“Our recovery from coronavirus will require a real partnership effort with the community. We are appealing to the public to please be patient.

“We will keep you updated every step of the way when we are in a position to slowly and carefully move out of lockdown.”

VIDEO: The First and deputy First Ministers outline the new plans

The Executive’s document notes that, as of 10 May, 33,440 people in Northern Ireland had been tested for Covid-19, with 4,149 laboratory-confirmed cases and 438 reported deaths.

It adds that, although overall case numbers are continuing to rise, it is at a slower rate than before.

It also notes a “gradual decline” in both hospital admissions and intensive care unit occupancy, “reflecting a reduction in transmission of the virus here and progression of the epidemic”.

However, the document says it is “currently unclear” how long those who have recovered from Covid-19 will retain immunity.

“Furthermore, at present, best estimates suggest that less than 5% of our population are likely to have had the infection and recovered, which is not a sufficiently high level of population immunity to confer protection from further spread of the virus,” the document reads.

Turning to the R measure of virus transmission, the document indicates a current approximate level of 0.8, adding the approach being taken is aimed at maintaining the R value below one.

First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill. Credit: Presseye

  • NI's five stages of easing out of lockdown

Work

The earliest step will see those unable to work from home encourage to return to work, subject to adequate measures being put in place around social distancing guidelines.

However, even the fifth step will continue to encourage working from home where possible, although in theory everyone will be able to return to workplaces “subject to mitigations”.

Garden centres will be among the first non-food retailers to resume trading. Credit: Presseye

Retail

The earliest shift will allow the opening of large outdoor retailers, such as garden centres, but associated cafes and restaurants will still only be able to operate takeaway services.

The second stage will see non-food retailers allowed to open to limited numbers of shoppers and with social distancing measures in place.

It will only be in the late stages that “contact” service providers like hairdressers and tattoo artists and fitness studios will be able to open again, while the fifth step will allow for the hospitality sector to reopen pubs, cafes, restaurants – subject to risk assessment and on a limited basis.

Many businesses have been forced to close their doors indefinitely. Credit: Presseye

Education

Schools are currently closed for all but a limited number of children whose parents are keyworkers.

The earliest change will simply see a wider definition of keyworker applied as more parents return to work.

The late stages will see all children catered for through a combination of in school and remote learning, while only step five suggests a return full-time and only for “early year school provision”.

Most children have now been kept off school for several weeks. Credit: PA

Family and Community

Currently, people should not be in contact with those outside of their household, but step one of easing out of lockdown will see small groups of 4-6 people who do not share a household allowed to meet outdoors. Indoor visits to immediate family with also be allowed where social distancing is possible – if they are not shielding.

Step one will also allow for drive-through church services and churches open for private prayer.

Step two will allow groups of up to 10 people to meet outdoors, while step three will permit gatherings of up to 30 people, and step four will allow a wider range of gatherings, including church services, as long as measures are in place. The fifth stage will allow for extended gatherings, subject to “suitable mitigations”.

Sport, cultural and leisure activities

Step one will allow for more outdoor activities, from golf and tennis to outdoor cinemas. Training for teams will slowly resume in stages two and three, first on a non-contact basis. Libraries and museums will also gradually open during those stages.

By stage four, competitive sport may resume behind closed doors or with limited spectators, leisure centres could open, and outdoor concerts could resume on a restricted basis.

Stage five would see close physical contact sports resume, a full return to competitive sport and use of sports facilities, with spectators attending on a restricted basis, and nightclubs and concerts would open on a restricted basis.

Golf will be among the first outdoor sporting activities to resume. Credit: Presseye

Travel

Public transport faces challenges around social distancing and is currently operating with limited capacity, enhanced cleaning regimes, and PPE for staff. People are encouraged to wear face coverings and to avoid peak periods. People are also encouraged to walk or cycle when possible.

In the early stages of easing lockdown, it is noted that public transport will struggle to meet demand – especially as it increases with more people returning to work.

People will continue to be encouraged to walk or cycle where possible throughout all five stages – staggered start times for businesses will be encouraged, along with home working where possible to ease pressure on services.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know