Bitesized breakdown: The key points of the Covid lockdown relaxation plan for Northern Ireland

Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill jointly announced the moves yesterday afternoon, starting with their plan to get children back into classrooms.

It was believed the Executive had initially aimed to have pupils return on August 17, but the 6,000-strong Ulster Teachers’ Union had raised concerns about that.

Now teachers are set to return on August 17 alone, with pupils following a week later on August 24; specifically key year groups seven, 12 and 14 will return on this date.

The rest of the school population will go back to class at the start of September.

Pupils will be required to keep one metre (3.3ft) apart, but teachers must stay two metres from children.

Meanwhile, in other developments:

l Places of worship may reopen for religious services on June 29, and the chief medical officer will meet religious leaders on June 25 to discuss plans for funerals, weddings, and christenings;

l Hairdressers, barbers and nail bars may open “provisionally” from Monday, July 6;

l The Executive is hoping that by June 29 childminders will be able to provide childcare for four families in their homes at one time, rising to five in August;

l And Health Minister Robin Swann also announced an end to “shielding” arrangements for vulnerable people on July 31.

WHAT DOES THE END OF SHIELDING MEAN?

Shielding involves people who are high-risk saying at home at all times and avoiding all face-to-face contact for at least 12 weeks (though from earlier this month such people could go outside while maintaining social distancing with other members of their household, or one person from another household – if the first person lives alone).

Mr Swann said: “We have now reached the point where, if the current trends continue, there will be no need for anyone to shield after July 31.”

Most people shielding (such as those suffering from cancer or other medical conditions) will have received letters telling them that is what they must do.

Hairdressers and barbers given date they can reopen

Coronavirus: Schools to open week later than thought – and pupils must stay 3.3ft away from each-other

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