Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill
Under consideration is reopening churches, garden centres, cafes, golf clubs, restaurants, hairdressers, public bars and retail outlets.
It is likely that any reopenings will be on a phased basis in the weeks and months ahead to prevent the gatherings of large crowds and a re-igniting of the COVID-19 virus in a second wave.
Arlene Foster said at a press conference this afternoon: “At our meeting today we have continued to make progress on it and whilst I appreciate many of you are anxious for us to produce the plan immediately, it is important that the executive remains focused on getting it right in the light of the latest medical and scientific advice.”
She added: “As we contemplate on relaxation and the media also focuses on that, we in the executive are very conscious that there’s a real danger of members of the public becoming distracted and assuming it’s ok to resume what they might have been doing before.
“We need you all still to be on your guard.
“If you do go out for work, to go to the shops, get medicine or exercise, you still need to respect those social distancing guidelines.
“Follow the two-metre rule and wash your hands thoroughly.”
Deputy first minister Michelle O’Neill said that the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions “is not a green light for people to start behaving as they choose”.
Speaking at the Stormont press briefing, Ms O’Neill said that the executive hoped to publish “a pathway to recovery” later this week.
But she added that the easing of lockdown measures would happen slowly.
Six more deaths have been recorded by the Department of Health in the North of Ireland today, bringing its total, which mostly comprises of hospital deaths, to 387.
“Let those deaths be a reminder to us all – that easing any of those restrictions must be both cautious and gradual,” she said.
“Covid-19 is still present and spreading and it’s all around us – it is still killing.
“So I am appealing to the public, ‘please do not take matters into your own hands’.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnston will outline his plan to lift the restrictions this Sunday, May 10.
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