Religious services to return within days - NI Executive confirms

Lockdown easing is set to ramp up provided the number of COVID cases continues to fall, with a flurry of new announcements over the past 24 hours, with hairdressers, barbers and nail bars the latest businesses to get the go ahead to begin preparing for reopening from July 6.

Shielding during the Covid-19 lockdown may also be paused on 31 July for 95,000 people with underlying health conditions, Executive ministers signalled.

The announcement was part of a series of measures approved by ministers as Northern Ireland continues to make progress in the battle to suppress the levels of Covid-19.

Provided the virus remains under control, First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill confirmed:

*Places of worship may reopen for religious services on 29 June. The Chief Medical Officer will meet the faith leaders group on 25 June to consider how funerals, weddings, christenings and other celebrations may be conducted.

*Hairdressers, barbers and nail bars may open provisionally from 6 July.

*A Childcare Sector Recovery Plan will also be published to restore the sector to pre-Covid-19 levels as quickly and safely as possible to enable working parents to return to their places of employment.

Archbishop Eamon Martin welcomed the announcement. He said: “I am pleased with the announcement from the Northern Ireland Executive earlier today giving an indicative date for the opening of Churches in Northern Ireland for public worship from 29 June next. It is particularly helpful that parishes in cross-border communities will be able to plan together for a safe return to Mass around the same time. I have been heartened by the amount of preparation which is already ongoing in our parishes to ensure that our sacred spaces will be as safe as possible when we begin to gather again together in prayer. I expect that we will be beginning in a cautious way at first, and there will be a need for ongoing patience and careful monitoring of the situation.

“In recent days, having spoken to priests across the dioceses of Armagh and Dromore, it is clear to me that there is a strong desire from our people, religious and priests to be able to celebrate the Eucharist and have access to the other sacraments, especially baptism, marriage and reconciliation.

“I commend parishes for reaching out to parishioners in very difficult circumstances during the lockdown which included the broadcasting of Mass and other prayer opportunities by webcam. Since March, we have also been alert to God’s presence in the lonely and the suffering. Sadly the pandemic has brought great hardship to many families whose loved ones have died because of the virus. In a lot of cases it was not possible for family members to be by their side, or to be present at their funeral. God knows our grief and how much we need strength, courage, consolation and comfort at this time”.

With the R rate sitting between 0.6 and 0.9, First Minister Foster said of the further relaxations: “This is a hugely significant day for the Executive as we make major strides along our roadmap to recovery. We have today agreed to a number of relaxations that go right to the heart of supporting families, young people and some of the most vulnerable in society. We still have a way to go on our recovery journey but by sticking to the public health advice, we hope to be able to continue to make headway in the weeks and months ahead.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill added: “The re-opening of our schools will be a great relief for families. Parents have had to home school over the last few months and I know many pupils have missed meeting up with their classmates. The re-opening will be on a phased basis and it is important that the conversations continue with those who have the shared goal of giving all our children the very best education possible so that the disruptions can be kept to a minimum. The summer schemes for children with educational needs and those of some key workers is also important and reinforces the Executive’s commitment to supporting families during these most difficult of times.”

Health Minister Robin Swann confirmed letters will be issued in the coming days to those shielding about the new arrangements which may come into force from 31 July.

While the Minister said the announcement would be welcomed by many of those impacted, some people may view the prospect of ending the protective measures with some anxiety and they should decide what to do at their own pace.

Minister Swann said: “As is so often the case at present, this will be about weighing up the options and making informed choices. Going outside can bring some degree of potential risk but this can be mitigated and minimised by strict social distancing. Staying indoors indefinitely is not good for anyone’s mental or physical health. Finally, I would ask everyone to be considerate as people end their periods of shielding. We should all continue to social distance, but in the coming weeks I want you to be particularly understanding of the fact you might be encountering someone who has had to stay at home for many weeks. Please be aware of this, show respect and kindness to all and keep your distance.”