Hairdressers and beauty salons will be able to reopen in Northern Ireland from 23 April, the first stage in a phased reopening of the region’s economy and society, it has been announced.
Outdoor visitor attractions and competitive sports with up to 100 participants will also be allowed from next week.
Beer gardens, cafes and restaurants will be able to serve food and drink outdoors, and gyms and non-essential retail reopen, on 30 April. Indoor hospitality venues, including pubs, cafes and hotels, are to reopen on 24 May.
The power-sharing executive’s long-awaited announcement on Thursday will align Northern Ireland with England, which eased restrictions earlier this week, prompting envy in Northern Ireland. Scotland and Wales announced similar easing of some restrictions from 26 April.
Arlene Foster, the first minister, told the assembly at Stormont the announcement was a landmark on the path to recovery. “We are now entering brighter and better times. This balanced package of restrictions will restore those familiar aspects of everyday life that have been missed dearly.”
The Democratic Unionist party leader said Covid-19 remained a threat and that some restrictions would continue. “Please remember that the vaccine does not give you superpowers but it is a vital weapon in our fight against the virus.” The gradual exit from lockdown would not satisfy everyone, she said. “We are sorry about that and we know it will be disappointing for some.”
The health minister, Robin Swann, echoed that caution. “We must not lose sight of the fact that the virus is still a threat. The more we increase vaccination uptake rate, the more we strengthen our defences.”
Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill, the deputy first minister, told the assembly that from 24 May the executive hoped to reopen all tourist accommodation and visitor attractions, allow indoor household visits and the resumption of indoor group exercise and training in numbers apt for the venue. She called it a day of immense hope and optimism. “Take care of yourselves and each other,” she said.
The announcement followed intensive lobbying by business groups and wrangling between ministers over the pace and sequencing of looser rules. Assembly members complained that they learned the plan’s details after the media.
Foster and O’Neill presented a united front despite recriminations between their parties over recent riots.
The union Unite said hospitality workers welcomed the industry’s resumption. “However they also have understandable worries, based on previous experience upon the lifting of restrictions, that employers cannot be relied upon to implement necessary social distancing and health and safety measures,” said Neil Moore, a union representative.