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Coronavirus: Two-metre distancing rule in NI to be relaxed Coronavirus: Two-metre distancing rule in NI to be relaxed
(32 minutes later)
The Stormont Executive has agreed to reduce social distancing in Northern Ireland from 2m (6ft) to 1m with restrictions, BBC News NI understands. The Stormont Executive has agreed to reduce social distancing in Northern Ireland from 2m (6ft) to 1m with restrictions, First Minister Arlene Foster has said.
It comes days after the prime minister said England would move to "1m plus" from 4 July, as its lockdown is eased.It comes days after the prime minister said England would move to "1m plus" from 4 July, as its lockdown is eased.
The proposal was brought to the executive by Economy Minister Diane Dodds.The proposal was brought to the executive by Economy Minister Diane Dodds.
Members of the hospitality industry had argued that the move was necessary to help them restart their businesses. The first minister said hospitality businesses must uphold safety.
Mrs Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill also announced a series of other indicative dates for easing the lockdown further in Northern Ireland.
They include:
In relation to the 1m move, members of the hospitality industry had argued it was necessary to help them restart their businesses.
Hotels, pubs, restaurants and cafes are due to reopen in Northern Ireland on 3 July.Hotels, pubs, restaurants and cafes are due to reopen in Northern Ireland on 3 July.
The first and deputy first ministers will outline more details at the executive press briefing shortly after 16:00 BST. "The reason why we believe we can move to 1m is in relation to having other mitigations in place to manage that risk," the first minister told the daily executive press conference.
It is also understood that the executive has agreed to allow elite athletes to resume training indoors from Monday, 29 June. "Nothing is risk-free and it is important the hospitality and tourism sectors work with us."
This includes having access to high-performance gyms, indoor sports courts and swimming pools. Ms O'Neill said caution was "imperative".
Athletes classed as elite include Olympians, Paralympians, professional rugby and football players and cricketers. "We may need to amend these dates and the executive is prepared to step back if the need arises," she added.
Green light for elite athletes
Elite athletes have also been told they can begin to train indoors again from 29 June.
Athletes classed as elite include Olympians, Paralympians, professional rugby, GAA and football players and cricketers.
Until now, they have only been allowed to train outdoors, with some swimmers travelling to Dublin for indoor pool use.Until now, they have only been allowed to train outdoors, with some swimmers travelling to Dublin for indoor pool use.
It is thought that the executive may also provide an indicative date for the resumption of other contact sport training and the return to competitive sport at the press conference later.
On Thursday, no further deaths were added to the Department of Health's total of 547, which mostly consists of deaths in hospitals.On Thursday, no further deaths were added to the Department of Health's total of 547, which mostly consists of deaths in hospitals.
A further two positive cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland were recorded.A further two positive cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland were recorded.
The Department of Health has also said that Northern Ireland's R-number - or reproduction number - "remains steady" between 0.6 and 0.9.The Department of Health has also said that Northern Ireland's R-number - or reproduction number - "remains steady" between 0.6 and 0.9.
It is the average number of people that one coronavirus-infected person will pass the virus on to.It is the average number of people that one coronavirus-infected person will pass the virus on to.
As of 21 June, the seven-day rolling average of new cases in Northern Ireland is two, said the department. Mrs Foster also said the total number of infectious people in Northern Ireland is currently estimated to be fewer than 600.
Is a distance of 1m safe?Is a distance of 1m safe?
The World Health Organization recommends keeping a distance of at least 1m.The World Health Organization recommends keeping a distance of at least 1m.
Some countries have adopted this guidance, often because they also insist on people wearing masks.Some countries have adopted this guidance, often because they also insist on people wearing masks.
But it is not just about distance, but also timing.But it is not just about distance, but also timing.
The longer you spend in close proximity with an infected person, the bigger the risk.The longer you spend in close proximity with an infected person, the bigger the risk.
Scientists advising the UK government say spending six seconds at a distance of 1m from someone is the same as spending one minute at a distance of 2m.Scientists advising the UK government say spending six seconds at a distance of 1m from someone is the same as spending one minute at a distance of 2m.
What else have ministers been discussing?
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon asked the executive to make the wearing of face coverings compulsory on all public transport.
Ministers were to approve a paper setting out how the measure will be introduced and enforced.
It is understood ministers have also signed off on previously announced plans for places of worship in Northern Ireland to provisionally reopen on a wider basis on 29 June.
Discussions have been taking place about how weddings and funeral services can be conducted, as well as capacity issues and singing.
NI's chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride held talks with church and faith leaders on Wednesday.
It was also expected that ministers would discuss free school meals, which the executive has promised to support over the summer months.