A day without any coronavirus restrictions whatsoever is ‘achievable’ insists NI Health Minister Robin Swann

He was speaking after the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, suggested in a press briefing earlier this week that restrictions would be needed “into next year”.

Mr Swann, however, stressed that having restrictions in place does not necessarily mean full lockdown.

“As the chief medical officer has rightly made clear, some restrictions may be with us into the long-term,” the Minister said.

“We may be wearing face coverings in shops and on public transport for a time to come.

“That kind of restriction may well become part of our new normal.”

He continued: “This is not to say that lockdown – or partial lockdown – will roll on indefinitely.

“It doesn’t have to be that way. To be clear restrictions and lockdown are not the same thing.

“If we continue with the progress we are making, we can consider a careful, managed, easing of some measures – but only when and if the timing is right.”

He warned that caution will be needed when it comes to the possibility of easing restrictions next month.

As things stand, the current lockdown measures are due to expire on March 6 but the Northern Ireland Executive is keeping the issue under consideration.

Mr Swann urged caution at Wednesday’s press conference.

“It is a finely balanced conversation because I want to offer people hope but to stress the need for caution,” he said.

“Like everyone else I long for the day when restrictions — any restricions — do not hang like a dark cloud over all aspects of our daily lives.

“That day is achievable but we have to tread carefully towards it.”

The Minister continued: “When it comes to the easing of any restrictions, we have to crawl before we walk, walk before we even think about running.

“If there are to be any changes in the next few weeks or months, they must be introduced gradually and carefully, and strictly monitored.

“We cannot risk a swift and destructive surge of new cases, with our health service still reeling from the most recent surge,” he said.