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The NI Executive are meeting today to consider their plan for a phased, strategic approach in planning a way forward from the present Covid-19 restrictions.
It follows a call yesterday between First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Prime Minister Boris Johnston and the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales.
Yesterday Mr Johnston spelt out his governments approach to easing 'lockdown' but even though in his speech he mentioned Northern Ireland, his measures presently do not apply to here.
First Minister Arlene Foster ruled out a lifting of restrictions on Thursday past saying “These Regulations are not easy for the people of Northern Ireland to live by. We understand the severe impact they are having on every aspect of life and society, and we don’t want to keep any restriction in place longer than is absolutely necessary.
“However, above all else our priority is still saving lives. Based on the evidence and advice provided to us by our scientific and medical professionals on the current transmission rates of the virus, and the significant level of risk in the relaxation of measures at this stage, we were not in a position to ease any of the restrictions following this most recent review."
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill added “We are appealing to the public to be patient and continue to abide by the regulations. It is important for people to have hope and see some light at the end of the tunnel; so please be assured that in the coming days we will provide further clarity around our gradual, phased approach to recovery.”
Decisions are going to be taken based on medical and scientific advice, First Minister, Arlene Foster said “As the Executive begins to finalise our plans for recovery, we need to strike the balance between continuing to protect lives and the health service and give people hope for the future. The changes that we will introduce will be gradual, proportionate and based on scientific and medical advice and will be taken at the right time and in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill yesterday explained that decisions taken in the days ahead are some of the biggest they will ever have to make: “Society has changed beyond all recognition over the past six weeks as people have followed the advice to stay at home and save lives. That remains the message.
“As an Executive we know it has been tough and we understand the impact the regulations are having on what was once our normal lives. But we are at a critical stage in the fight against the virus and so our recovery must be phased, gradual and strategic.
“The decisions this Executive will take in the days and weeks ahead are some of the biggest we will ever have to make. We know that six weeks into the restrictions, people need some light at the end of the tunnel. We also know that recovery will only happen one step at a time, to do otherwise risks undermining the sacrifices people have already made and increases the risk of a second spike in the future.”
