The arguments in favour of granting access to cemeteries are now compelling

The next move will, or should, be opening to cars too.

This is not to dismiss lockdown, which seems to have helped ensure a death tally in Northern Ireland that is not even approaching the lower end of predictions of only a few weeks ago. It is, instead, a logical conclusion from the necessity to begin to relax restrictions.

It is a necessity for three main reasons: the impact of Covid-19 across the British Isles is, while serious, much less bad than was feared, the economy is being destroyed and there is a brewing mental health disaster, with so many people confined unhappily at home.

The sudden resurgence of infected cases in Japan is a timely reminder of the dangers of complacency against coronavirus.

But at the same time an obvious first point for relaxation is outdoors, where even on urban streets there is so much space compared to (for example) the interior of a shop.

The other reason to relax outside rules is that the weather is getting good, not just in terms of the current sunny spell (which will undoubtedly end at some point, likely sooner than later) but due to imminent warmer, longer summer days.

It is a good thing for people to be outside, getting exercise now, and with hope it will lead to people leading healthier lives after this crisis is over.

Sinn Fein still wants the hardest possible lockdown but the arguments for the opening of cemeteries are now compelling. There is plenty of space in them, and visiting graves brings great reassurance to people who are grieving.

The public at large has shown massive support for lockdown, realising the seriousness of Covid-19.

Overwhelmingly, they have behaved just as they are asked to do. It is not unreasonable to speculate that people visiting graves, which is hardly a behaviour associated with rowdy behaviour, will conduct themselves according to advice.