From Friday, July 3, hotels, bars and restaurants in North can reopen
Hotels had been told they could reopen from July 20 but no word was announced on bars and restaurants which have locked to the public since March.
But today the Stormont Executive met to review the situation and decided to reopen all parts of the hospitality sector from Friday, July 3.
Self catering accommodation, including caravan sites and holiday homes will reopen from June 26.
Economy Minister Diane Dodds described the decision to reopen the hospitality sector from 3 July as a “good day for the Northern Ireland economy”.
“It’s a good day for tourism and hospitality, and in particular a sector that has been incredibly hard hit by the lockdown.”
She stressed the plans were dependent on the transmission of the virus.
“Everything is dependent on the advice that the chief medical officer and chief scientific adviser give us around the spread of the virus at that particular time,” she added.
Museums and historic houses will also be able to reopen from 3 July as the reopening of tourist accommodation and restaurants begins, the First Minister has announced.
Speaking at today’s daily briefing, Arlene Foster confirmed the reopening of hotels, bars and social clubs.
Mrs Foster said the health service had weathered the storm but emphasised that we cannot be complacent following the confirmation of further spikes of Covid-19 in other countries.
“It is vital to remember that COVID-19 has not been beaten and will not be beaten for some time,” she said.
Mrs Foster said she hoped to announce a date for bringing two households of any size together in a “bubble” in the next two weeks.
She said there would also be a gradual increase in the number of families childcarers could cater for, while capacity gaps in childcare would also continue to be assessed.
“The journey is far from over and we all have a role to play,” she added.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said the executive has taken a number of decisions that signal positive progress on the pathway to recovery.
“Our priority in the opening up of the hospitality and tourism sector is the safety of customers, staff and the wider community” she said.
“The industry can now work towards these dates to ensure safe reopening in line with all the relevant legislation and guidance.”
Ms O’Neill added: “As long as the scientific evidence is still showing us that we can keep moving forward in this direction we will continue to implement a steady rolling programme of relaxations.”
She said on Thursday the executive would officially review the regulations
“We’d be hopeful that following that executive meeting it’ll be in a position to come forward with some more good news of other sectors as per our plan, so for example our hairdressers and our barbers and looking to give indicative dates there also.”
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