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A twelve page phased five-stage plan for slowly easing Covid-19 restrictions has been published by the NI Executive today.
The plan at times confusing is not time bound, rather it wil consider three key criteria: The most up-to-date scientific evidence; the ability of the health service to cope; and the wider impacts on our health, society and the economy, when making decisions.
The lengthy document is extremely detailed making it difficult for the public to work out when the parts of the plan are actually going to happen. The Pathway to Recovery timeline is started with the following caveat "All steps build on what is currently permitted. Steps do not necessarily apply at the same time in different sectors – e.g. Step 1 for work, may apply at a different time than Step 1 for retail, reflecting the complexity and adaptability of each environment."
The five step Pathway to Recovery is broken down into six categories: Work, Retail, Education, Travel, Family and Community and Sports Culture and Leisure.
The report explains "While it feels like Coronavirus has been in our midst for a long time, the first recorded case here was actually only 10 weeks ago on 27 February 2020.
"This is the biggest public health crisis we have faced in living memory and, as a five party Executive, our priority is to help keep people safe and to support those who have faced real hardship as a result of the pandemic. Alongside that we are also focusing on the future – for when we have put this behind us."
Step One Measures
Work: "Encouragement to those unable to work from home to return to workplace on phased basis subject to legal requirements and best practice arrangements being in place."
Retail: "Large outdoor based retail can open (eg garden centres - though associated cafes and restaurants only able to offer takeaway/collection)."
Family and Community "Groups of 4 – 6 people who do not share a household can meet outdoors maintaining social distancing. With the exception of people who are shielding, visits to immediate family allowed indoors where social distancing is possible.
Drive through church services and churches open for private prayer with appropriate social distancing and cleaning of shared contact hard surfaces."
Sport, Culture and Leisure: "Outdoor spaces and public sport amenities to open.
Can undertake for example, walking, running, cycling, some water activities, golf, tennis.
Drive through cinema."
Speaking about their way forward 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.
“The Executive’s recovery strategy sets out a pathway for us to emerge from lockdown in the safest way possible. This will require a series of judgements and decisions as we move forward. These decisions will be evidence based, taking account of our unique circumstances here in Northern Ireland.
“As we embark on our phased recovery, we will remain focused on the health and wellbeing of our population; the impacts on our society; and our economy as a whole. Above all else, our priority will be saving lives.”
Talking numbers the report states "As of 10 May, in Northern Ireland, 33,440 individuals have been tested for Coronavirus; there have been 4,149 laboratory-confirmed cases and 438 deaths have been reported. Overall case numbers are continuing to rise but at a slower rate than before."
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.
“Today we have set out our pathway for future recovery which gives an indication of how the restrictions on different aspects of life may be eased at various stages.
“The incremental five-step approach reflects the risk-based judgements we will make at each stage. These decisions will be evidenced by medical and scientific advice and benchmarked against our guiding principles and international best practice.
“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. Keep adhering to the restrictions, follow the public health advice and stay at home. We will keep you updated every step of the way when we are in a position to slowly and carefully move out of lockdown.”
You can read the report in its entirity at WWW.EXECUTIVEOFFICE-NI.GOV.UK
