LOCKDOWN must remain in place until there is a vaccine or Covid-19 is eliminated in order to protect workers, an assembly member has insisted.
West Belfast MLA Gerry Carroll pointed to recent UK polling data, which he said was likely to be "similar in Ireland" that "despite the constant barrage and pressure from business interests to `ease the lockdown' this shows that only nine per cent of people... are against" it.
"The lockdown should remain until we have a vaccination or we reach elimination," the People Before Profit politician said.
"Governments are playing a dangerous game with workers lives by forcing some back to work. If they continue down this dangerous path we should respond with socially distant resistance.
"Other countries who lifted the lockdown early are witnessing a second spike. Elimination could be quicker, also vaccination (by) possibly next year."
According to the BBC the polling data shows more than 60 per cent of people would be uncomfortable about going out to bars and restaurants or using public transport, should ministers decide to relax the lockdown in a month's time.
The Ipsos Mori survey also found more than 40 per cent would still be reluctant to go shopping or send their children to school and more than 30 per cent would be worried about going to work or meeting friends.
Scientists say they will know by June or July whether the coronavirus vaccine being developed at the University of Oxford is effective.
Drugs company AstraZeneca said it will be scaling up so that by October it can supply "a sufficient number, with the priority going to the UK population".
Aodhán Connolly, director Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, said businesses are following developments from government on the probable easing of restrictions and "starting to plan accordingly (but) the safety and wellbeing of retail colleagues and customers remains the highest priority."
"Since the lockdown, many retailers have proved how shops can be run safely and effectively in line with the government's social distancing advice.
"This guidance is the product of retail’s incredible efforts to adapt to exceptional circumstances. The industry knows how to serve the public while protecting staff and customers alike.
"Continued close collaboration with government, including public support for the steps retailers are taking and adequate notice to get supply chains up and running, will mean that retail businesses can start trading again slowly and safely, and customers can feel confident that they are safe to return to shops."
