Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
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» Delight as close contact services resume today Foster says life can ‘get back to normal’ Make-up artist tells of her ‘massive relief’
NORTHERN Ireland will today begin the journey out of lockdown with the relaxation of some Covid-19 restrictions.
Close contact services will reopen, including hairdressers, barbers, beauticians and tattoo artists, while driving lessons and tests can resume.
Outdoor visitor attractions and activity centres can also open again.
First Minister Arlene Foster said the region is moving “step by step” out of lockdown – with next week seeing the reopening of non-essential retail – “allowing people’s lives to get back to normal again”.
Asked about the possibility of accelerating the easing of restrictions, she said that would depend on the impact of relaxations.
She added: “Last year we were able to bring some dates forward... across the UK, Scotland has been able to bring some dates forward.
“We have to see what the impact is of relaxations and then make an assessment as to whether we can move dates forward.
“But I have to say people have reacted very well to the announcement last Thursday and I hope that we can step through this.
“Yes, in a careful way, but in a way that brings back joy because I think people have been very much looking forward to getting out to do the things that they want to do, particularly around sport, meeting their friends and we’re very much pleased that that is happening.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’neill emphasised the need to be careful and for steady progress.
She said: “We’ve always said that we’ll keep things under review, as soon as we can lift things we will and that remains the case.”
From today, close contact services can reopen strictly by appointment. Businesses will also be required to collect customer details to help with the test, trace, protect contact tracing
programme. Ciara
Daly, owner of Ciara Daly Makeup, said she felt “massive relief ” when hearing the news about reopening after months of closure.
She added: “It has been such a long slog for everybody in lots of
HAVING A BALL Arlene Foster and Michelle O’neill at the Mid Ulster Sports Arena yesterday different industries, but especially the likes of the hair and beauty industry, the entertainment industry and hospitality.
“We all feed off each other so the hospitality industry is still closed which means not a lot of people are going out who need their make-up done.
“So as much as we are really looking forward to getting opened, we are really looking forward to the hospitality sector getting open next week as well.”
Driving instruction, theory tests
It has been such a long slog for everybody in lots of different industries CIARA DALY, LEFT, BELFAST YESTERDAY
People reacted very well to announcement and I hope we can step through this FIRST MINISTER ARLENE FOSTER YESTERDAY
and driving tests also resume today. Speaking to the Infrastructure Committee this week, Minister Nichola Mallon said a booking system is to be set up for driving tests.
Jeremy Logan from the Driver Vehicle Agency said it estimates there are “approximately 22,000 category B private car driving theory tests that are valid and will be in some cases looking for a driving test”.
The committee were told there will be three phases to be able to book a test, with the first two opening for those with valid theory tests. Around 8,600 people are believed to be included in these initial phases and “will be offered an appointment in the next few weeks”.
Speaking about the backlog, Mr Logan added the aim is to bring forward as much staffing resource and additional buildings “to maximise the number of tests that we can deliver”.
He said the agency is hoping to make a “significant dent” in the figures in the next six months. Also from today, outdoor visitor attractions and activity centres may reopen. This includes drive-in cinemas and performances.
When going to these events you must not share your vehicle with anyone outside your household or bubble. An indicative date of May 24 has been set for the reopening of indoor visitor and cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, cinemas and bingo halls. This will be subject to review. Music venues are not included in this
indicative date. Today’s easing of restrictions will also allow the resumption of Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning on an indoor and outdoor basis in gatherings of up to 30 people.
Outdoor sport organised by a club, individual or individuals affiliated will be extended to include squad training.
Competitive outdoor sport with participant numbers not exceeding 100 and no spectators permitted can return. Static band practice and rehearsals will be allowed in agreed outdoor locations.