Dear reader

The Stormont Executive finally published its coronavirus lockdown exit strategy on Tuesday, but for many, the document has provided as many questions than answers. 

While the Executive published a five-point plan detailing how we will exit lockdown, there was no detail about when the various stages will take place. 

The lack of detail has been criticised by many in the business sector, including the owner of one of Northern Ireland’s best known garden centres who remains uncertain about when he can reopen for customers. 

TUV leader Jim Allister meanwhile joined the chorus of disapproval, warning of “untold damage” to the economy here because of the lack of urgency from the Executive.

It was announced on Tuesday that 447 people with Covid-19 have died in Northern Ireland, with nine having passed away in the last 24 hours. 

Stay safe

Alistair Bushe
Editor


Another nine people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in NI.
The latest Department of Health dashboard reveals that one more person died after testing positive within the last 24 hours - and another eight people were reported to the Department of Health as having died after testing positive but not within the last 24 hours.

Groups of four to six people who do not share a household will be allowed to meet outdoors while maintaining social distancing in one of the first steps in Northern Ireland’s road map out of lockdown

A five-point plan with no firm dates has been published for exiting coronavirus restrictions.

Those unable to work from home will be encouraged to return to work on a phased basis in another early shift if the reproductive rate at which the virus is spread continues to decline below one.

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader, Jim Allister, has criticised Stormont's five step plan for leading Northern Ireland toward an exit from the Coronavirus lockdown

The plan was published on Tuesday morning and was outlined by both First Minister, Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill in the chamber in Stormont.
The vast majority of MLAs signalled their support for the plan however some had reservations over the lack of specific dates detailing when the lockdown would be eased.
Like Scotland and Wales, Northern Ireland's plan differs to what has been put forward by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Moy Park has defended its “stringent” employee safety measures following the Covid-19 death of an employee who worked at the company’s Dungannon factory
As well as passing on the firm’s condolences to the family of Luciana Viviana da Silva, Moy Park said it was disappointed to have to deal with “inaccurate claims” made by the Unite trade union.
Ms da Silva, aged in her 50s, died on May 3 from coronavirus. She was originally from East Timor in south east Asia.
On Monday, Unite regional officer Sean McKeever said there are “particular challenges in meat processing factories” which require a sector-specific strategy, and added: “ If ministers don’t act to ensure such actions to protect workers, Unite will not sit back and watch while our members’ safety is compromised.”
In response to the Unite statement, a spokesperson for Moy Park said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of one of our team members. Our thoughts are with Luciana’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Access the COVID dashboard here