PEOPLE across Northern Ireland yesterday began to take advantage of the change in restrictions that now allows outdoor gatherings of up to six people.
Following months of lockdown measures that have seen people restricted to socialising with only members of their own households, it was evident yesterday that some people were keen to enjoy the loosening of the regulations for the first time.
It comes after Stormont's first and deputy first ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill announced the go-ahead on Monday in a significant scaling back of the north's coronavirus restrictions.
The changes mean that outdoor gatherings of up to six people who do not share a household are now allowed, as long as social distancing is adhered to.
Mrs Foster said that the scientific evidence meant that the gatherings of up to six people outdoors, could take place.
Read More: Executive to discuss permitting people to visit immediate family indoors on Thursday
The Stormont Executive has been clear to stipulate that the coronavirus lockdown recovery plan will be done in a tentative way.
Announcing the change to the restriction of mass gatherings, Mrs Foster said: "They have been hard-won freedoms and it’s vital when you exercise them, it doesn’t put anyone else’s safety at risk".
Small groups could be seen together at various locations in Belfast yesterday, including close to the Titanic building, where people were exercising and socialising together.
In Co Down also, there appeared to be more small groups in the seaside town of Newcastle as people were keen to take advantage of the slight change in measures.
