Spectators’ return outlined in NI Executive’s lockdown exit plan

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill outlined the Pathway to Recovery plan to the Stormont Assembly yesterday after ministers had signed off on the strategy earlier in the day.

It focuses on nine key areas – retail, hospitality, education and young people, work, culture, heritage and entertainment, sports and leisure, travel and tourism, worship and ceremonies, home and community.

Each will emerge from lockdown in stages. The stages are lockdown, cautious first steps, gradual easing, further easing, and preparing for the future.

The Executive says progression through the steps will be driven by data and not dates.

The return of fans to sporting events is scheduled for phase four with numbers in attendance limited until the final phase of the lockdown strategy.

Last week NI Football League chairman, Gerard Lawlor, said he hoped spectators would return to grounds around Easter.

“Would there be a hope that we could get fans back around Easter, I would sincerely hope so, that we can see light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

However, outdoor sports facilities will re-open for training and organised group activities in step two, including golf courses and tennis courts with gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools opening again in phase three.

READ MORE:

Danske Bank Premiership Team of the Week

Newry City confirm withdrawal from this season's Irish Cup

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor