All Covid-19 legal restrictions in Northern Ireland will be replaced by guidance from Tuesday, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced.
These include the scrapping of Covid passports in all settings and the wearing of face masks.
They will be moved from regulations to guidance.
But Mr Swann has strongly emphasised the continuing need for caution and vigilance in relation to the virus.
On Monday, Stormont ministers gave their “unanimous support” to Mr Swann on the easing of restrictions, according to Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill.
Mr Swann, who has himself tested positive for Covid-19, was advised last week on the potential legal complications of him replacing the regulations with guidance, without the wider endorsement of an Executive.
In a statement on Monday night, Mr Swann said he would be making an order on Tuesday to revoke the remaining restrictions, including face coverings.
But he said the public should remain cautious and vigilant despite the ending of all remaining Covid-19 restrictions.
“Today’s announcement follows consideration of legal advice from the Attorney General and consultation with all ministerial colleagues. It moves our response against Covid into a new phase,” Mr Swann said.
“With the reduced threat from the Omicron variant, we can move away from an emergency and legalistic framework to a new approach where making safer choices is embedded in our daily lives.
“That means all of us continuing to do our best to cut down risks of infection and transmission.
“It means looking after each other by following the public health guidance. It must always be remembered that taking unnecessary risks with Covid may affect people who are particularly vulnerable to the virus.”
Mr Swann warned: “So please do not jump the gun and start behaving as if the pandemic is over. That is not the case.”
“While Omicron is less severe than previous strains of the virus, community transmission remains very high and hospital pressures significant.
“The most vulnerable as a result of underlying disease remain susceptible to severe illness and it is important that we all do what we can to protect them.”
The Health Minister made his announcement having received the latest public health assessment from the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser.
Mr Swann added: “The expectation from the public health assessments is that no significant rise in ICU occupancy is expected. While many people will very much welcome my decision on regulations, I know there will be concerns.
“Community transmission is still very high and our hospitals remain under severe pressure. A sustained effort to follow the public health guidance will help reduce infection numbers and support our health service.”
There are no plans at this stage for changes to the current arrangements for testing, contact tracing and isolation in Northern Ireland.
The importance of wearing face coverings in health and social care settings, on public transport and in enclosed indoor settings will continue to be strongly emphasised.
While Covid status certification will no longer be legally required in any settings, hospitality and entertainment venues will still be encouraged to use it.
Vaccine certification will continue to be available to the public – including for those who need it for travel abroad to satisfy entry requirements of countries they are visiting.
Welcoming the move, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster Colin Neill said: “After nearly two long years, the hospitality industry will be relieved that they can begin to trade without pandemic restrictions limiting the viability of their businesses.
“We must have full focus on rebuilding consumer confidence and supporting the hospitality industry as a key driver for the wider economy.
“The lifting of the remaining restrictions, including mandatory passes at nightclubs and recording customer details, will hopefully signal a major turning point for the industry and see the return of the thriving industry we once had which contributed over £2billion annually to the local economy.
“We want to see local customers returning and visitors from elsewhere with the opening of greater tourism opportunities. That buzz has been missed.”
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said the lifting of the Covid-19 restrictions is fantastic news for its members and the wider business community.
He added: “We can now reopen our economy and accelerate the recovery of our High Streets. However, we are disappointed that the statement does not include a clear commitment to return to the workplace.
“Safely reopening offices and workplaces is not only vital to boost footfall for our high streets, but also for our economy and returning our society to normal.
“Northern Ireland needs to catch up with other parts of the UK with its return-to-workplace message.”
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