THE announcement that further coronavirus restrictions are to be eased is another positive step in the cautious journey out of lockdown.
However, the emergence of the Indian Covid-19 variant of concern is a reminder that the path towards the pandemic's end will not be smooth and that vigilance remains essential.
The vaccine programme remains the central plank of the escape from the restrictions which have so dominated our lives since March last year.
More than 1.5 million vaccines have been administered in Northern Ireland, and almost 70 per cent of the adult population has been vaccinated.
Though the vaccination rate has slowed in recent days, the system has shown it is highly efficient and that as supplies allow, GPs, pharmacists and the health trusts can quickly deliver jabs.
Although 96 new cases were reported yesterday, official figures also confirm the sense that the fight against Covid is being won.
No deaths related to the virus were recorded yesterday, for example, while statistics agency Nisra said its total of Covid-19 fatalities had increased by just two in the week ending May 7.
This was the smallest weekly increase since August, and brings the pandemic total to 2,961.
The overall picture has allowed the Stormont executive to announce a number of welcome relaxations in restrictions from May 24, subject to confirmation on Thursday.
These include the reopening of indoor hospitality, with mitigations that include allowing up to six people from six different households to sit together.
Indoor home visits will also be allowed, albeit involving six people from no more than two households.
Up to 500 people will be able to attend outdoor events, including sport; as a test, 1,000 fans will be allowed to go to next week's Irish Cup final.
Despite the relaxations, Ulster GAA seems likely to follow the stricter restrictions in force in the Republic, meaning it will be the only main sport in the north to remain behind closed doors after May 24.
Fans will be hopeful that this anomaly is cleared up so that they can once again watch their teams in action.
Meanwhile, the Indian variant of the virus is giving particular cause for concern in some areas of Britain.
Although only a very small number of cases have so far been recorded in Northern Ireland, it underlines that caution and common sense are vital if we are to safely emerge from lockdown.
