Bars, restaurants and cafes in Northern Ireland to reopen from 3 July
Diane Dodds, Northern Ireland's Economy Minister, announces that bars, restaurants and cafes can reopen from 3 July, following a decision to adjust coronavirus regulations.
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The latest politics reporting from The Belfast Herald.
Support bubbles introduced in England and Northern Ireland
Households may link to form support bubbles, allowing overnight stays and larger gatherings. Medical visits and some care home visits are permitted under revised rules.
No new COVID deaths reported in Northern Ireland for first time since 18 March
Northern Ireland recorded no new coronavirus-related deaths for the first time since 18 March, with Health Minister Robin Swann describing the development as a clear sign of progress amid ongoing concerns about care home outbreaks and the risk of a second wave.
Schools to reopen in August with phased return for pupils
Education Minister Peter Weir announced a phased return for students in Northern Ireland starting in August, with limited provision for key cohorts and a mix of in-person and remote learning.
Garden centres and recycling sites to reopen in Northern Ireland
First Minister Arlene Foster announced the first steps to ease lockdown in Northern Ireland, including reopening garden centres and recycling centres from 18 May, and allowing marriage ceremonies for terminally ill individuals.
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announces bilateral discussions with the Irish and French governments to safeguard freight routes, and
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announces bilateral discussions with the Irish and French governments to safeguard freight routes, and with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding support for passenger flights. Funding is to be provided to support ferry routes to Northern Ireland,
Arlene Foster extends Northern Ireland lockdown to 9 May
Arlene Foster, First Minister of Northern Ireland, announces a three-week extension to the lockdown period, which will now end on 9 May. The decision follows a meeting of the Northern Ireland Executive.
*The Northern Ireland Assembly establishes a COVID-19 Response Committees
*The Northern Ireland Assembly establishes a COVID-19 Response Committees.