The Stormont executive has correctly taken a gradual approach to the easing of lockdown with each step carefully weighed and informed by a high degree of caution.
It is an approach that has so far proved effective and we can point to the falling death toll and new infection rate as evidence that coronavirus in Northern Ireland has been largely brought under control whilst acknowledging that it remains a significant threat.
Of course, it is one thing suppressing the virus through stringent measures such at stay at home orders, it becomes much more complicated when people start to go out and about and try to restore normal life as far as possible.
The issue for every country has been finding the right balance between getting the economy back up and running and keeping people safe.
The executive took an enormous step forward yesterday in terms of reopening business as well as a host of other activities.
As well as confirming the reopening of churches, hotels and restaurants, dates were set out for the return of competitive sport, the unlocking of playgrounds and the provision of a range of services.
In one of the most significant announcements, the executive has decided to relax social distancing from the current two metre rule to one metre, with certain conditions.
This is very much in response to the concerns of the hospitality sector which has been worried that maintaining two metres would have a hugely detrimental impact on many businesses.
Nevertheless, this is a major step and one that the executive has plainly wrestled with.
Michelle O'Neill pointed out yesterday that everything comes with a degree of risk but said that transmission of the virus is as low as it is going to be in the absence of a vaccine.
It was also stressed that two metres remains the optimum distance.
While a long list of measures have now been relaxed or will soon be lifted, the fear is that the public will also relax their guard.
If anything, greater social interaction makes it even more essential that people adhere to the recommendations on physical distancing, hygiene and wearing face coverings in confined spaces.
A robust track and trace system must also be in place so outbreaks can be quickly addressed.
We are now entering a new phase of this crisis where it is incumbent on all of us to act responsibly to prevent the virus spreading.
