Having passed the peak of coronavirus infections, attention is now focused on how we safely move out of lockdown and restore economic activity and other elements of normal life.
Given that the virus has not been eliminated and with the very real risk of a resurgence in infections, any relaxation of measures must be done gradually and with an abundance of caution.
Other European countries are already taking their first steps out of lockdown and we can watch and learn from what they are doing and how effective that proves to be.
The British government is expected to unveil its plans soon although some details about the likely shape of that blueprint are already emerging, including ways in which employees can be safeguarded in the workplace and the use of an app to track and trace suspected coronavirus cases.
There will be legitimate concerns around the app in terms of how personal data is being used which will need to be addressed.
In recent days Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has outlined the Republic's roadmap through the coming weeks, with a staged easing of restrictions beginning in earnest in a fortnight and with intervals built in to monitor for an increase in cases.
We are told that the Stormont executive is meeting a number of times this week to discuss the next steps in Northern Ireland.
While we await the detailed plan from local ministers, it is likely people will have mixed feelings about the lockdown being lifted.
Many of us are keen to get back to some form of normality, to see family members and get out and about more.
But there will also be anxiety about the immediate future with a real fear about a second wave of infections.
It is right that conversations are going on about what is feasible in terms of social distancing for various business sectors, for schools, public transport and a range of other areas.
Ireland's church leaders entered this debate yesterday, saying they accept it is too early for collective worship to resume but urging the executive to consider allowing buildings to reopen for private prayer.
All these matters will have to be fully discussed and any decisions on the way forward must be fully informed by the scientific evidence.
We need to move out of lockdown but people also need to reassured that it is safe to do so.
