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Further easing of Covid-19 restrictions have been announced today by the NI Executive in a move to bring society another step closer to a full re-opening of services and facilities.
Churches
Places of worship can re-open from 29 June. Guidance around capacity, music, weddings and funerals etc is still to be announced.
Haircuts
Hairdressers, Barbers and nail bars can provisionally aim to open from 6 July, something that will be welcomed by many households who have attempted to trim the hair of their nearest and dearest.
Economy Minister, Diane Dodds said "Not only will the re-opening of these businesses help provide them with some much needed financial stability, it will also be a move towards restoring a sense of normality which can dramatically improve general wellbeing."
Businesses are asked to use the present time to prepare for safe re-opening.
Shielding
Those shielding can pause shielding on 31 July. Health Minister Robin Swann said “I have been clear that shielding would not last one minute longer than it needed to. We have now reached the point where, if the current trends continue, there will be no need for anyone to shield after 31 July.
“I have listened to many of you and to the challenges you have faced during this period. I am in no doubt as to the difficulties shielding has presented for a great many people."
Minister Swann added "While my announcement today will be welcome news for many who are shielding, some will view the prospect of an end to shielding with great anxiety. I want to assure them that they should decide what to do at their own pace. Everyone will approach this situation differently.
"As is so often the case at present, this will be about weighing up the options and making informed choices. Going outside can bring some degree of potential risk but this can be mitigated and minimised by strict social distancing. Staying indoors indefinitely is not good for anyone’s mental or physical health.
School Return
Education was also covered today with the announcement that schools will reopen for staff, week commencing 17 August, for key groups of pupils from 24 August and for rest of pupils 1 September.
Guidence for Schools will be announced as Education Minister Peter Weir explained “This guidance, which I will publish tomorrow, will allow schools to develop their plans for reopening, according to their particular circumstances, and should not be viewed as a definitive step-by-step guide.
“I believe that this will enable many schools to accommodate all pupils each day. For those remaining schools where space is an issue, we will work with them to resolve any problems or at least maximise the number of pupils in school.”
The Minister said that flexibility will be key to creating space for schools to respond to wider changes in circumstances, including public health and scientific advice that will continue to be key to reopening plans.
Childcare
A Childcare recovery plan was also announced today. Minister Weir continued: “As we move towards a new normal, we must recognise that the provision of childcare is of the utmost importance to enable parents to get back out into the working environment.
“Childcare providers must therefore be able to build capacity to care for as many children as they are safely able to do. Therefore, from 29 June 2020, childminders will be able to provide childcare to four families, in their homes at one time on a part-time or full-time basis. This will increase to 5 families in August.
“Childcare providers will be required to comply with guidance issued by the Department of Health to support and promote safe practice to minimise the transmission of the Covid-19 virus.”
