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Health minister Robin Swann appeared to give the green light from the Department of Health on Wednesday for further easing of Covid 19 restrictions.
Ahead of an Executive review of restrictions on Thursday, Swann spoke at a press conference alongside Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride.
“The scales are tipping in favour of relaxing some restrictions and accelerating that process,” the minister said.
“I believe that the time is now right for the executive to proceed with further easing of restrictions including some indicative dates to let people and businesses look ahead with greater optimism.”
“Frustration is growing and if unchecked it may impact on adherence with public health advice and I don’t want to see that, the people working in our health service don’t want to see, as we know the consequences.”
Swann did urge caution ahead of Thursday’s review, saying that the rollout of NI’s vaccine programme is a huge help but still has a way to go.
“We cannot abandon all restrictions in one go. We cannot lose the run of ourselves. We cannot see the good work undone,” he said.
“No vaccine ever gives total protection to all those who get it, they will do more of the heavy lifting but cannot do it all.”