NI to begin lockdown exit on Monday - here's how things will change and what you will and won't be permitted to do

The first phase is one of five that Northern Ireland must go through over the coming months to try and rescue the local economy from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

One of the first changes people will notice on Monday is the re-opening of garden centres and recycling centres.

Excepting garden and recycling centres reopening on Monday the Northern Ireland Executive has yet to announce any further implementation of the first phase but there is a suggestion that more lockdown measures could be eased next week.

The Northern Ireland Executive has not signalled precisely when people will be able to visit immediate family either indoors or outdoors but it does make provision for this in the first of the five phases.

Be that as it may, people should NOT meet with anyone from a household other than their own and should continue to follow official social distancing and shielding measures until the Northern Ireland Executive states otherwise.

It's important people are aware of the phases and details set out in the Northern Ireland Executive's 'Coronavirus Executive Approach to Decision Making'.

Steps will not necessarily be taken at the same time for each particular sector: e.g. step one for the Work sector might apply at a different time to step one for the Family & Community sector - "reflecting the complexity and adaptability of each environment," reads the 'Coronavirus Executive Approach to Decision Making' plan.

The following paints a picture of what day-to-day life will look like in Northern Ireland as each part of phase one is implemented:

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 & Community

Groups of between four and six 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, cultural and leisure activities

Outdoor spaces and public sport amenities to open. Can undertake for example, walking, running, cycling, some water activities, golf, tennis. Drive through cinema.

Definition of steps

Outdoor activities (work and leisure) during which social distancing can be maintained for individuals who do not share a household contact and where there is no shared contact with hard surfaces.

Restrictions currently in place in education and travel sectors remain unchanged.

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