Northern Ireland’s First Minster Arlene Foster made the announcement yesterday (14 May) that household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs) in the country can reopen from Monday (18 May).
Ms Foster said that the rate of the spread of coronavirus infection had now fallen below 0.7, which made “very tentative first steps” towards recovery possible.
She said: “The Executive met today to assess where we are in terms of our battle against Covid-19 and to consider what restrictions might be lifted as we start to move towards recovery.
Ministers are also content that household recycling centres should be open to the public and that the disposal of household waste at those sites should be added to the list of what constitutes an appropriate reason for travel
The Executive is able to announce some small steps forward. Success will require continued partnership amongst us all. pic.twitter.com/CUy8uVRkoz
— Arlene Foster #We’llMeetAgain (@DUPleader) May 14, 2020
“On the basis of the latest scientific and medical advice, the Executive has approved the following measures: from next Monday, garden centres and ornamental plant nurseries will be allowed to open their doors to customers, of course with the proper social distancing measures in place.
“Ministers are also content that household recycling centres should be open to the public and that the disposal of household waste at those sites should be added to the list of what constitutes an appropriate reason for travel.
The announcement comes after HWRCs in England began opening this week after implementing strict measures.
HWRCs in Scotland remain closed, while in Wales some are beginning to open.