LISTEN: Health Minister warns lockdown debate is "getting ahead of itself"

by Gráinne Connolly

The Health Minister has said the discussion about easing lockdown measures in Northern Ireland is "getting ahead of itself". 

The NI Executive has been discussing plans for easing restrictions on a phased basis, which are expected to be published later this week. 

It also has until Saturday to announce whether not lockdown rules will be amended,as it reviews measures on a three-week basis.

During the executive's daily press conference at Stormont, Robin Swann said it is fine to have conversations about what can happen after lockdown but he believes if dates are put on that, people will get ahead of themselves. 

"I am concerned that the debate on the future of the lockdown is getting ahead of itself. 

"That it's getting ahead of the reality we are still facing. 

"It would pile tragedy, upon tragedy if Northern Ireland lost it's way at this stage if complacency set in. 

"We need to stick to what we are doing to keep saving lives and protect the NHS. 

"The executive is looking to map out a way ahead and to decide what form social distancing regulations could take in future months. 

"That's the right thing to do but please don't take that as ,meaning we are nearing the finishing line or that we can ease up on what we doing because nothing could be further from the truth."

The Health Minister also issued what he described as a "May Day alert", urging people to stay home this bank holiday weekend: 

(Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride addressing Stormont press conference)

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer said he wouldn't be in favour of publishing a timeline for phasing out of lockdown restrictions. 

Doctor Michael McBride warned, "We need to be careful about our public messaging here."

He said "We just need to ensure we don't give out mixed messages at this time and I would be very reluctant, very reluctant, to put in place an artificial timetable for those decisions prematurely. 

"What we will need to do is carefully map our way through step by step, any changes in the measures we have in place and any consequence in terms of how people are behaving, or any consequence in terms of the impact of the virus, in terms of community transmission."

Northern Ireland's death toll from Covid-19 climbed by 17 to 404, figures released on Tuesday showed.

A total of 3,881 cases of the virus are confirmed, the Department of Health said.

Stormont ministers are due to meet on Thursday to review regulations around areas such as sport and re-opening golf courses.