Non-essential retail to reopen in Northern Ireland from 30 April
Northern Ireland has set out the next steps for its exit from lockdown with non-essential retail reopening from 30 April and beauty services and hairdressers from 23 April.
Outdoor hospitality for up to six people from two households also opens from 30 April.
Northern Ireland has been under a strict Covid-19 lockdown since 26 December and schools have just opened this week.
First Minister Arlene Foster for Northern Ireland said: “We are now entering brighter and better times.”
"This balanced package of relaxations will restore those familiar aspects of everyday life that have been missed dearly.
“I urge everyone to stay with us and keep following the health advice so that we can continue with our plans to more fully open up our society over coming weeks.”
The next stage for lockdown easing would include the return of indoor hospitality (with some restrictions) along with indoor household mingling and indoor visitor attractions. The date for this has been provisionally set for 24 May.
Non-essential stores, along with hairdressers and beauty services, in England opened on 12 April, along with outdoor hospitality, with indoor hospitality scheduled to return on 17 May.
