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The reopening of scores of close-contact services in the North after a four-month lockdown has been hailed as a \u201cgood day\u201d by the Economy Minister.<\/p>\nThe reopening of scores of close-contact services in the North after a four-month lockdown has been hailed as a \u201cgood day\u201d by the Economy Minister.<\/p>\n
Outdoor visitor attractions, hairdressers and beauty salons are trading again, while driving lessons are resuming, along with theory and practical tests.<\/p>\n
Competitive sport can take place outdoors with numbers not exceeding 100, but spectators will not be allowed.<\/p>\n
The North’s Economy Minister Diane Dodds said it is a \u201cgood day, and an even better day for the economy\u201d.<\/p>\n
Mrs Dodds was speaking to the media during a visit to the Natural Hair Company salon in Lisburn, Co Antrim.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the start of a road back to rebuilding and recovering our economy and a bit of normality,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been an absolutely torrid year, particularly for our retail, for these close-contact services. The cycle of lockdowns has been really, really devastating.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to see the economy reopen safely, we want to see it reopen sustainably, and we want to move forward.<\/p>\n
\u201cNext week is another momentous week, and we will reopen all of retail, reopen hospitality outdoors and reopen self-contained accommodation. It\u2019s a really big step forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Thursday, First Minister Arlene Foster said the exit from lockdown will move faster if possible.<\/p>\n
She said the Executive will \u201ckeep looking to see if we can move faster\u201d.<\/p>\n
Further restrictions are to be lifted next week, when pubs and restaurants can serve customers in outdoor settings, in groups of six, from no more than two households.<\/p>\n
The North’s Economy Minister Diane Dodds speaks to the media outside the Natural Hair Company in Lisburn. Image: PA<\/p>\n
All non-essential retail will return, and takeaways and liquor stores will have curfews lifted.<\/p>\n
Self-contained tourist accommodation, such as caravans and rented holiday homes, will be allowed to operate.<\/p>\n
Gyms and swimming pools will reopen for individual activities.<\/p>\n
The limit on outdoor gatherings in domestic gardens will increase to 15 people from no more than three households.<\/p>\n
More restrictions are set to be lifted on May 24th, although these are subject to review.<\/p>\n
From that date, pubs and restaurants can operate indoors, people will be allowed to gather in homes, and indoor attractions can reopen.<\/p>\n
Other tourist accommodation such as hotels and B&Bs can also reopen.<\/p>\n
Wedding receptions and post-burial events can take place in indoor hospitality venues, after appropriate risk assessments are undertaken.<\/p>\n