Coronavirus NI: Up to 30 people CAN now meet up outdoors as Stormont publishes new guidance for social distancing in public places

The announcement was made by First Minister, Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, at a COVID-19 media briefing on Monday.

The latest change in the lockdown restrictions came on the same day the Northern Ireland Executive published a report documenting new social distancing guidelines.

The new guidance, titled Guidance for Urban Centres and Green Spaces. comes only a few days before pubs and restaurants will reopen to the public for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic..

The guidance will provide owners and operators of public spaces, including councils and landlords, with information and examples of measures that may be undertaken to adapt and manage public spaces in order to help social distancing.

It is intended to enable them to plan for the temporary adaptations and interventions that will be needed as the restrictions on staying at home are reduced and we move through the stages of the Executive’s Covid-19 Recovery Plan.

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said it was important people all over Northern Ireland use public spaces safely as restrictions continue to be lifted.

“It is important that we use our public spaces constructively as we progress our Covid-19 Recovery Plan," said Minister Ní Chuilín.

"These places can be utilised positively in supporting local businesses and in providing areas for exercise and relaxation.

"Their role will be even more important in the weeks and months ahead.

“Whilst this guidance is mainly intended for owners and operators of public places, it remains the responsibility of the individual user of such places to act on all guidance.”

The Minister added: “The retail and hospitality sectors have been hit particularly hard by the coronavirus crisis and the road to recovery for them presents a particular challenge.

"The outdoor spaces close to hotels, bars, restaurants and cafés could be utilised to maximise the opportunity for these businesses to deliver their services, while ensuring the safety of both staff and customers.

"This guidance will help identify the interventions required to tailor these spaces to social distancing requirements.”

The guidance can be found at https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/publications/guidance-urban-centres-and-green-spaces-covid-19