Easter holidays: How to celebrate safely as we take ‘baby steps’ out of lockdown
IN normal circumstances the Easter holidays are usually spent with family and friends, but Covid-19 means another year where we must keep our distance. However, today marks the beginning of Northern Ireland’s ‘baby-step’ exit out of lockdown, with some small changes to the health regulations. Here’s a guide to what you can and cannot do ahead of the Easter weekend.
Q: Can I visit the homes of my family and friends?
A: Since December 26, households have been banned from mixing indoors or in private gardens but bubbles were permitted to be formed with one other household. The bubble rule remains in place, but from today a maximum of six people — including children — from two households can meet in a private garden with social distancing in place. It is forecast to remain dry with sunny spells for most of the weekend so those who want to take advantage of the loosening of the restrictions could host a socially-distanced Easter barbecue.
Q: Am I able to make a start to the garden ahead of the good weather?
A: Spring can be the best time to spruce up the garden and get it ready for the warmer weather. Vegetable shops and supermarkets, for example, are classed as essential and have taken advantage by selling pot plants and other outdoor necessities for those who can’t wait to get stuck into their garden. However, contactless click and collect services for garden centres and plant nurseries are now permitted so you start getting those disused plant pots out of the shed. Many garden centres also sell outdoor furniture and ornaments that could give your outdoor space a makeover in time for summer.
Q: Can I take part in physical activity with others?
A: Up to 10 people — including children — from a maximum of two households can now take part in outdoor sports activities. Outdoor sports facilities can reopen but only to permit their use for those allowed in the health regulations. You can play again at your local golf club, have a game of tennis or go for a walk or run with friends. Club houses must remain closed under the restrictions, apart from essential toilet facilities. Car-sharing, sporting celebrations and any congregation of people watching sporting events should still be avoided.
Q: Is there anything I can do to safely celebrate Easter?
A: Despite the Covid regulations in place there are still many ways we can celebrate the holiday either in person or online. With the easing of regulations in private gardens, you could host an Easter egg hunt for the children in your family or have an egg and spoon race. Many people enjoy painting eggs or making an Easter-themed wreath. Why not host a Zoom party and do those activities together with your friends and loved ones? Many churches across Northern Ireland will also be hosting an online service to mark Easter Sunday.
Q: When will the restrictions ease further and what does that mean for me?
A: On Monday, April 12, Northern Ireland will take another step out of lockdown. Training for up to 15 people from sports clubs will be able take place outdoors, contactless click and collect will be permitted for all non-essential retail, and up to 10 people from two households can meet in private gardens. The Executive’s next formal review of the restrictions will take place on or before Thursday, April 15.