Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ON THE ROAD TO FREEDOM
» Indoor visitors and hotels among next milestone » Ministers to meet as optimism grows for May 24
Health Minister Robin Swann, left, and his Executive colleagues will decide on Thursday if the next milestone can go ahead – allowing indoor visits and hotels to open.
Northern Ireland Hotels Federation chief Janice Gault said: “There is optimism that the indicative opening date of May 24 will become a reality.”
In England, families and friends will be able to hug one another again from next Monday.
AFTER almost 14 months of being denied the most basic act of human affection, weary families will embrace the news they can start hugging again next week.
High vaccination rates, falling infections and plunging numbers of deaths mean Stage Three of No10’s unlocking “roadmap” can go ahead in England from next Monday.
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove yesterday confirmed hugging will be allowed again.
He said: “As we move into Stage Three of our roadmap, it will be the case that we will see people capable of meeting indoors.
“And without prejudice to a broader review of social distancing, it is also the case that friendly contact, intimate contact, between friends and family is something we want to see restored.”
Asked if that meant hugging from May 17, Mr Gove replied: “Yes.”
It came as just two deaths from Covid were recorded yesterday and another 1,770 new infections.
But in a grim reminder of the toll the pandemic has taken on Britain, the latest fatalities brought the toll to 127,605. However, the stunning success of the vaccine rollout by dedicated NHS staff and volunteers means there is genuine light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.
A third of adults in England have now had both doses.
Boris Johnson is expected to announce further easing of restrictions at a 5pm press conference today.
He said: “The roadmap remains on track as our successful vaccination programme continues.
“More than two-thirds of adults in the UK have
HOPES Michael Gove now had the first vaccine and we can now look forward to unlocking cautiously but irreversibly.
“It’s because of the British public’s unwavering commitment that we are saving lives, protecting the NHS and controlling the virus.”
The head of the Oxford University vaccine group supported easing the curbs that have restricted our lives since last March.
Professor Andrew Pollard said the country has had the “extraordinary success” of both the vaccination programme and the “prolonged” lockdown. He added: “I think it is time to start, based on the very careful modelling that’s been done, relaxing some of those restrictions.
“That means we’re in a very fortunate position here in the UK.
“I think that there is a future with no social distancing and no more masks, but from a global perspective we’re still a long way from that.”
Nearly 17.7 million people are now fully inoculated against Covid and more than 35.3 million have received first jabs.
NHS England’s medical director for primary care Dr Nikki Kanani said: “Yet another incredible NHS milestone has been reached as one in three adults in
England have now had both doses of the Covid vaccine.
“Reaching this milestone is no accident, it is down to months of hard work and everyone in the NHS who has played a role in this is helping to protect millions of people from serious illness and saving lives.”
Pubs, restaurants and cafes will be able to serve customers indoors from Monday. The Rule of Six, or two households, will apply indoors – allowing families to gather in living rooms and around dining tables.
Up to 30 people are expected to be allowed to meet outdoors. Overnight stays will also be allowed. Hotels, hostels and B&BS will be able to reopen, along with cinemas, museums, galleries and children’s indoor play areas.
Up to 30 people should be able to attend weddings, receptions and wakes, as well as funerals, christenings and bar mitzvahs.
Secondary school pupils are expected to be allowed to shed masks in classrooms.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said last week: “As infection rates continue to decline and our vaccination programme rolls out successfully, we plan to remove the requirement for face coverings in class at Step Three of the roadmap.”
Mask wearing in shops, on public transport and walking around pubs, restaurants and cafes is to continue until at least June 21, when all restrictions are due to end if Step Four of the roadmap is triggered.
People should still work from home if they can until then.
Mr Gove said “delicate negotiations” were under way with UEFA about holding the Champions League final in the
UK. Manchester City and Chelsea are due to meet in Istanbul on May 29.
But Turkey was put on the UK’S travel red list when the traffic light system was unveiled on Friday, meaning the teams and fans must quarantine in hotels on return.