Pam Lewis
South Antrim · Democratic Unionist Party · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for her answer. Indeed, I thank her for the assistance that she, as Minister of Justice, gave my constituents Kathryn and Aaron McCollum following the tragic death of their much-loved husband and father. Her assistance was deeply appreciated.”
“I thank the Minister for her answer. I very much welcome the amendment to the Justice Bill on this subject, and I thank my colleagues across the Chamber for the good work that they have done on it. What cost is the PSNI carrying for the seizure, storage and disposal of those vehicles? Is that cost creating a barrier to enforcement?”
“It progresses 18 recommendations from the independent review of charity regulation, with a focus on a more risk-based approach that promotes trust and accountability without placing undue burdens on charities.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak as a member of the Communities Committee at Second Stage of the Charities (Amendment) Bill. I thank the Minister and the Chair of the Committee for outlining the details of the Bill.”
“The public must have confidence that charitable funds are being used properly, that trustees understand their responsibilities and that there is effective oversight when misconduct or mismanagement occurs.”
“<BR /> <BR />I welcome the streamlining of accounting and reporting requirements. For small charities, administration can be a real challenge and burden.”
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“The retrospective nature of these debates somewhat limits the merits of discussing the changes that have been referred to. It is clear, however, that the overwhelming public mood is one of welcoming the easing of the restrictions. MLAs were lobbied by many who were seeking changes that were affecting them, including by businesses that are keen to get up and running again and so on. <BR /> <BR />Good government is responsive government, and I commend the Executive for listening and acting accordingly. One of the most positive changes that has been referred to is the change that allows a return to a wider and more normal family life. Allowing a single household to mix with another household was a very welcome move. This has been a lonely time for so many, not least for those who live alone.”
“Welcome back to the Chamber, Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. <BR /> <BR />I thank the Minister for his statement and very much welcome the extra moneys that have been made available to the Department of Health at this critical time as we emerge from the first wave of COVID-19. On PPE provision, what role will the Department of Finance play in working towards Northern Ireland being self-sufficient in manufacturing its own PPE supplies?”
“The focus must be on co-design and co-production of the new services and regular dialogue. As Departments seek to wade their way through the financial outworkings of COVID-19 expenditure, any tendency to look for community providers as an easy target for more savings must be opposed. <BR /> <BR />In conclusion, it would be remiss of me not to make special mention of one group of people for whom we must deliver support, which is our front-line healthcare workers. What they have encountered and seen and have had to do on the wards and in care homes, having sacrificed family life, has had a huge impact on so many nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers. I urge the Minister to ensure that all necessary support is in place for our heroes. I am pleased to propose the motion and I urge Members to unite behind it.”
“Their contacts with vulnerable groups of people, including the elderly and those who have been shielding, have been an invaluable preventative tool against mental ill health. <BR /> <BR />That contribution has been made in the midst of increasing demand and fewer resources, which has put many organisations at risk of folding. There needs to be a serious look at what we can do to support the sustainable future of the sector moving forward. I wish to put on record my full appreciation for the mental health provision from the community and voluntary sectors such as that provided by Impact Network NI, which is based in Randalstown and is a great example of an invaluable service to the community. Service providers in the community and voluntary sector must be at the heart of the recovery and reform process.”
“Although the Minister takes the lead, we want to work with him across the Executive to tackle the issues in a collaborative and effective way. A particular example would be to look towards our arts sector. I appeal to the Executive to recognise the huge contribution that the arts and culture make to mental health outcomes and to understand that the sector has huge challenges ahead and requires support if it is to survive. <BR /> <BR />That collaborative approach must go further; a vibrant and well-resourced community and voluntary sector is the key to success. The unprecedented demand on health and social care capacity has meant that mental health well-being charities and faith-based organisations have been a lifeline for providing early and skilled responses to those who are at risk of mental illness during the pandemic.”
“In that sense, when tabling the motion, we were acutely aware that it is not just an issue relevant to the public health response or health and social care but something that has to be tied to and targeted at the social and economic factors that lead to mental illness. <BR /> <BR />A one-size-fits-all approach cannot be effective. A cross-cutting, cross-departmental, cross-sectoral approach is required. Indeed, in DUP Departments such as Education, our Ministers are actively working on plans to address the legacy of COVID-19 for children who were already identified as being at risk prior to the pandemic and whose physical, mental and educational well-being may have been acutely disadvantaged by loss of contact and/or closure of schools.”
“<BR /> <BR />We need to look at solutions, and what is key to that is a cross-cutting approach being taken to mental health and well-being, given health inequalities and longer-term changes to how society operates. Health inequalities researched by the Department of Health have indicated strong links among deprivation, age and gender in COVID-19 infection and admission rates. Similar correlations between the virus and higher rates of anxiety and depression have been found among those aged under 35 living in a city, those living alone or with children, those with medical conditions and those in financial hardship.”
“One major concern with the plan as it stands, however, is that, to most intents and purposes, it is cost-neutral and therefore cannot hope to make the transformative reforms needed to mental health services without there being additional agreement on comprehensive funding to take forward the 38 actions. The total cost of the mental health action plan in the first year is up to £2·8 million. The recurring cost of the much-needed new specialist perinatal mental health service alone is expected to be up to £3·6 million a year. A strong signal from the Executive, including the Department of Health, and generosity of spirit are therefore required in order to move forward with the agenda to reform and refresh the current provision.”
“The publication of the mental health action plan and its COVID-19 response plan annex provide a constructive platform on which to progress the debate. I welcome the plan brought forward by the Minister and know that it is a matter that he identified as a priority before coronavirus struck. <BR /> <BR />To take one issue from the plan, we are supportive of the proposal to establish a model for specialist perinatal mental health services by September. Northern Ireland is currently the only region of the UK without a dedicated mother and baby unit, and it is vital that we accommodate more compassionate care for bonding and development at this critical time.”
“The depth of the problem is stark, and it could well worsen as, for example, unemployment grows as a result of the economic tsunami that COVID-19 has wrought on our local economy. Financial loss and unemployment have strong links with mental ill health, with the risk doubling if people lose their job. That is why the support given to local businesses has been so vital. I commend my colleague Diane Dodds for all her work and, indeed, Her Majesty's Government for the vast levels of support. <BR /> <BR />Just as we have risen to the challenge of COVID-19, we must rise to the challenge of its mental health legacy. The onus falls on the Minister of Health in that regard. I hasten to add that the Minister and his officials have acted responsibly under unprecedented pressure during this crisis.”
“A second study by Ulster University and the University of Sheffield reported that, in total, across the week of the study, 25% of women and 18% of men exhibited clinically meaningful symptoms of anxiety and that 23% of women and 21% of men showed signs of depression. Those aged under 35 living in the city, those living alone or with children, those with lower incomes, those with health conditions and those whose income has been hit by the pandemic had higher rates of anxiety and depression. Those who felt that they belonged to their neighbourhood and trusted their neighbours had lower levels of anxiety and depression. <BR /> <BR />Members, I am sure that, as it was for me, learning of those survey figures is sobering. It is a microcosm of the problem in our wider society, and something that must be tackled.”
“Professor Armour, who led the research, concluded:”
“It found that one third of those surveyed met the criteria for anxiety, one third met the criteria for depression and 20% met the criteria for PTSD related to COVID-19. Some 50% of those surveyed reported concerns about the financial impact of the pandemic.”
“Over half of the Health and Social Care (HSC) nursing staff reported being injured or unwell as a result of workplace stress in a 2019 survey. On a daily basis, we hear in our news bulletins and through our contacts in the community of lives lost to suicide. Our community was already struggling. <BR /> <BR />The reality is that COVID-19 has exacerbated the problem. A study by researchers from the Stress, Trauma and Related Conditions (STARC) research lab at Queen's University Belfast surveyed 2,500 people living in the UK during the first month of the COVID-19 lockdown period.”
“The steps taken in good faith and on the basis of scientific evidence by the Executive to protect lives were necessary. However, we must ensure that the benefits are not overshadowed by long-term harm from unaddressed mental health issues. As we continue the pathway to normalisation, to reopening our health service, mental health and well-being must be at the forefront of the Department of Health's priorities. That is why we tabled the motion, and I trust that we can unite, as a House, behind it. <BR /> <BR />Poor mental health is not a new problem faced by our society. It is not one of the many new consequences of COVID-19. Pre-COVID, the issue of mental health and the need for targeted intervention was already clear. One in five of our population identified as having a mental health issue at one time in their life.”
“At this stage, I will indicate that we will accept both amendments to the motion. I thank Sinn Féin and the UUP for their thoughtful additions to it. <BR /> <BR />While much focus in recent months has, rightly, been on the physical well-being of our population as we face the threat of coronavirus, the impact on mental health must not be forgotten. The restrictions placed on personal freedoms and everyday social interaction during lockdown have had a profound effect on the emotional and psychological well-being of people living in Northern Ireland. Worryingly, the cross-cutting nature of the impact of the virus and the subsequent regulations have come into direct conflict with established triggers of mental illness, including social isolation, loss of work and general financial concerns, medical trauma and work-related stress.”
“I thank the Minister for the opportunity to ask some questions on the subject. With hindsight, does the Minister accept that the Department's focus on minimising the risk of health and social care professionals from RQIA spreading infection within care homes was disproportionate, given the rapid spread of the virus in those homes at the height of the first wave?”
“Opportunities exist; we need to take them and ensure that medicines and medical devices are accessed sooner and safer than ever before. <BR /> <BR />Finally, patient safety must be at the core of this debate. Patient safety must never be sacrificed; rather, it is my hope that safety will be enhanced and further enshrined by the legislation before us. The Bill has the potential to go further on patient safety than we could under the European Union's framework. <BR /> <BR />We, as a party, will support the proposal to endorse the principle of the extension to Northern Ireland of the provisions in the Medicines and Medical Devices Bill, as introduced at Parliament on 13 February 2020, that deal with human medicines and veterinary medicines. We believe that it is in the interest of good government and consistency across the UK.”
“That can only be a good thing for those who need treatment and those who innovate, research and deliver new products. <BR /> <BR />I want to address the issues of research relating to medicines and devices. Members will know that, in my South Antrim constituency, we have the world-leading Randox laboratories. This company strives for better and strives to use the world-leading research and development that it has at its disposal at considerable cost to lead in the field of medicines and pharmaceuticals. As we look to recover from COVID-19 and how it has impacted on our economy, we need to support firms like Randox and the many other local companies in this field. We also need to look to support our local universities and private sector to lead in the field of medicines and devices.”
“I support the legislative consent motion. As we continue the processes associated with leaving the European Union, I suspect that we can expect more of these LCMs. They are an important aspect of the legislative process of taking back control. There is little matter of major controversy in the detail of this LCM and, as such, my party and I will support the motion. I intend to highlight only a couple of issues so as to not unnecessarily delay the proceedings of the House this evening. <BR /> <BR />First, we see the benefits of being able to regulate as an independent nation in an ever-evolving medical world. We see here that, free from EU red tape and bureaucracy, we can now act swifter and more decisively in response to new situations.”
“It is vital that we track and trace the virus to allow us to return to some form of normality or a new normal. That is vital at this time.”
“<BR /> <BR />It would be remiss of me not to mention once again our healthcare workers and the tremendous work they have done, not least our Ambulance Service. It disgusts me that that front-line service — lifesavers — have suffered 35 attacks in the space of a week. That is to be condemned utterly by everyone in the House. <BR /> <BR />I look forward to Thursday and further announcements and dates for restrictions being lifted and some form of normality returning, and I commend the Executive for the work that they are doing to that end. In finishing, I give another reminder out to people to keep their distance and to continually wash their hands and a reminder that, if you have any coronavirus symptoms, you should seek a test, if you are over five years old.”
“<BR /> <BR />The reality, of course, is that the extreme pressures on our health service from coronavirus have been alleviated. The public are to be praised for that and not punished for longer than is necessary. I very much encourage the Health Minister and the entire Executive to now really push ahead with the reopening of all our health service at large with the vital reform that is necessary. A week's delay at this stage exacerbates problems down the line for patients and the system. We must also see specific areas in our health and social care system get back on track. I think particularly of respite provision for those who regard it as a lifeline. They are physically and mentally exhausted and desperately need the service restored. We need to now step up and support all those families.”
“We have seen the success of the regulations and, more so, the public adherence to rules and guidance in the much lower figure of COVID-19 deaths than the reasonable worst-case scenario. I also believe that we need to proceed with easing of restrictions, so that many more lives are not lost through non-COVID conditions. I desperately want to see measures put in place to allow those in care settings to safely have contact and visitation from loved ones, as we know the impact that loneliness and isolation have on our mental health. We need to focus now on a twin-track approach of continuing to protect the most vulnerable whilst restoring confidence with the wider public to get out, support local business and rebuild community and to do that safely.”
“I think that I speak on behalf of many of my constituents in expressing relief that we are now progressing with the lifting of restrictions at pace. While mindful of the need to protect public health and rightly taking one small step at a time, it is essential that we return to some degree of normality as soon as possible, led by science, yes, but also led by the need to protect jobs, to reboot our public services, including our health service, and get Northern Ireland moving again. <BR /> <BR />Recently, it was reported that 95% of the population here had not had COVID-19, and it was suggested that we should slow down the process of lifting restrictions. I believe that the Executive have acted well in protecting public health.”
“I will also ask about the pharmacy issue, given that pharmacy has become the front line in the pandemic and has been there and has worked incredibly hard throughout. What additional support will the Minister give to the pharmacy sector, and what conversations is he having with it on the role that it can play in transformation in the midst of the pandemic?”
“I thank the Minister for his statement to the House. We are all aware, Minister, that, in the face of COVID-19, health services have been launched into even deeper crisis than they were in before. I note from the 'Rebuilding Health and Social Care Services Strategic Framework' that the New Decade, New Approach priorities are in disarray, with just two of the items showing with green lights for delivery; those are the 'Mental Health Action Plan' and the extra 900 nursing and midwifery undergraduate places over three years. Minister, when will we see healthcare that looks remotely like normal and where the urgent physical healthcare needs are being met?”
“That statement was made on 9 July 2019. We now have an Assembly, and Westminster has still not voted on a new abortion law for Northern Ireland, so now is absolutely not the right time for such a vote. Instead, the Government should ask Parliament to recognise the restoration of the Assembly by repealing section 9, and let the business of defining our own abortion law take place. Thank you.”
“I do not believe, because of the extraordinary manner in which they have been developed, that any self-respecting person in Northern Ireland should accept the regulations. <BR /> <BR />Moreover, devolution has now been restored. We are quite capable of developing our own legislation. Rather than ask the Westminster Parliament to vote for regulations, the next step that the UK Government should take is to ask Westminster to recognise that devolution has now been restored for nearly five months and that it is time for it to repeal section 9, which has now been overtaken by events. <BR /> <BR />As the mover of the amendment that became section 9 said at the time:”
“That has always been legal in Northern Ireland, although if it is possible to save the mother's life by removing the child in a way that keeps the child alive as well, that clearly must be striven for. Others have simply tried to change the subject by saying, "Why don't they focus more on providing support for our mothers and children with non-fatal disabilities?". <BR /> <BR />I will address the amendment standing in the name of Sinn Féin MLAs. First, I am pleased that Sinn Féin is clear that it cannot support abortion on the basis of non-fatal disability up until birth, but its amendment falls short, as it fails to acknowledge the concerns over other aspects of the regulations and the constitutional violation against the devolved settlement by imposing Westminster rule on the people of Northern Ireland in this area.”
“I have been disturbed by some of the arguments that have been advanced in favour of allowing abortion upon the diagnosis of Down's syndrome from the point of viability until birth. Those arguing refuse to engage with the fact that we are talking about a viable human being and focus just on what, they say, is the right of the woman to abort in those circumstances. <BR /> <BR />There is sometimes an attempt to give legitimacy to the notion that we should sanction disability discrimination in abortion legislation because of the health of the mother. That simply will not do. If one prohibits discriminatory abortion for disability, it does not change the fact that it is still legal to abort up until birth if the life of the mother is in danger.”
“What is particularly appalling about this legislation from a disability perspective is that it compounds the offence by stating that it would be wrong to terminate another viable human being of exactly the same age because they do not have Down's syndrome or another non-fatal disability. That sends out a message, loud and clear, that human beings with Down's syndrome or other non-fatal disabilities are worthy of less protection in law because they are less worthwhile and less valuable. <BR /> <BR />That is the ethic of a eugenic society that I, for one, have no desire to be a part of. In England and Wales, in cases in which women received a diagnosis before birth that their child had Down's syndrome, the abortion rate between 2015 and 2017 was a staggering 85·1%.”
“What kind of society do we want to live in? That is the fundamental question. My view is that how we treat those with disabilities and how we shape society for them goes a long way to determining the answer. At the heart of the matter before us today is this question: are those with a disability equal citizens? Is the remarkable and inspiring Heidi Crowter an equal citizen to every MLA in the House? <BR /> <BR />The stance that the House takes on regulation 7(1)(b) and regulation 13 in the Abortion (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2020 is a test for all of us who believe in equality. In a genuinely humane society, it would be entirely wrong to allow the termination of any viable human being, whether they have a disability or not.”
“I welcome the current low infection rate and trust that we will assess continually whether it is necessary to postpone the opening of hotels and, more particularly, caravan parks and self-catering accommodation for another seven weeks. Can we look at new measures in those places to protect health but allow people to use those facilities? <BR /> <BR />The UK Government message to "Stay alert" was derided by some, but, by being alert, we follow the advice. We do not touch our mouth, nose, ears or eyes. We wash our hands. We cover our mouth. In order to ramp up the health service and get back to some degree of normality, we must be alert. We cannot live in lockdown for ever. Balance must be found. I support both motions.”
“Of course, we look forward to being kept advised by scientists on all those issues, going forward. <BR /> <BR />If the vast majority of people will have only a minor illness, it is difficult to justify a closed society. We understand that under-65s with no underlying conditions or obesity are reasonably safe. We have the data to demonstrate that. We need to find ways to ensure that all who can return to work safely do so as soon as possible. I welcome the fact that COVID-19 assessments are being carried out for all workplaces and that protective measures are being put in place before those openings. I welcome the announcement of the opening of tourism facilities in July and thank my colleague Diane Dodds for that.”
“Many reports are questioning the effectiveness of lockdown, but the Executive acted appropriately, faced with that threat. However, more strategic social-distancing measures could equally effectively move us forward in protecting public health.”
“It is all too concerning that, if this is not addressed urgently, many people will, unfortunately, die of non-COVID-related conditions. <BR /> <BR />We must also look at the whole sphere of mental health. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that more people will die by suicide next week than from COVID-19. What a challenge that poses for us. Will we take that as seriously as we took COVID-19? We also need to consider what measures can be taken to reduce public fear, so that life can resume in a manner as close to normal as possible. The impact of that fear on mental health cannot be underestimated, as well as the impact it has on the economy, which we need people to reinvigorate. <BR /> <BR />It is essential that the economy is reawakened as soon as safely possible.”
“I call on people to act in an appropriate manner. <BR /> <BR />Lockdown has been a testing time for everyone, most particularly those affected by the disease, but now that we are, hopefully, past the worst, attention must increasingly be given to the wider health, economic and social price that is being paid by our entire population. We need to be as thorough and as swift in taking measures to protect our community from the havoc and hardship that long-term lockdown will produce as we were in protecting them from the disease. <BR /> <BR />We must look at the urgent reopening of our health service to those in need of other care. Cancer waiting lists are growing, people are not being given diagnostic procedures as quickly as they need them and hospital wards are lying empty while those who need care are staying at home.”
“I welcome the news that coronavirus deaths are now at extremely low levels, new positive tests are also at a low levels and contact tracing is being managed. Obviously, any death from the virus is one too many, and I commend the vast majority of the public who have adhered to the physical-distancing measures, in particular and, of course, our incredible health service for helping us to reach this point. <BR /> <BR />I must take the opportunity to say how dismayed I am to hear of gatherings at beauty spots, in particular. I say to those who are behaving in this way: stop. You alone will delay the easing of the restrictions by acting in this manner. The majority of people are acting responsibly, patiently waiting to be able to do the simple things, such as hugging their grandchildren and loved ones.”
“Thank you Mr Principal Deputy Speaker. Do want me to begin again?”
“Whilst the majority of people are acting responsibly, patiently waiting to be able to do the simple things, such as hugging their grandchildren and loved ones, I appeal to those who are flouting the rules and misbehaving to act responsibly in order that we can all move on. <BR /> <BR />Lockdown has been a testing time for everyone, most particularly those affected by the disease, but now that we are, hopefully, past the worst, attention must increasingly be given to the wider health, economic and social price —.”
“I welcome the news that coronavirus deaths are now at extremely low levels, new positive tests are also at low levels and contact tracing is being managed. Obviously, any death from the virus is one too many, and I commend the vast majority of the public who have adhered to the physical-distancing measures, in particular and, of course, our incredible health service for helping us to reach this point. <BR /> <BR />I must take this opportunity to say how dismayed I am to hear of gatherings at beauty spots in recent days. I say to those who are behaving in this way: stop. You, and you alone, will have an impact on how we go forward, and these actions will delay and prevent the easing of the restrictions.”
“It is a test for this place to be mature and grown-up in taking those spending decisions and not to prioritise spending on areas that ultimately matter less and to much fewer people over, say, spending on tackling suicide or helping children with speech and language therapy. I certainly know where my priority lies.”
“The longer that it does, the longer that our health service will fail to deliver on the fundamental principle of being the best value to the taxpayer and the best possible service. <BR /> <BR />Once again, I urge the Minister to set out his road map for reform and to be bold. Let it be an ambitious timeline that equips our health service to meet each and every possible challenge that comes our way. We have the best possible asset in our world-class staff, but we must support them, not just with the right pay and recognition but with the right tools to do the job as best they can. <BR /> <BR />COVID-19 ought to have given each and every one of us food for thought as to what really matters in life. Our time on this planet is short, and that should shape how we prioritise the spending of the public's money. That is what really matters.”
“<BR /> <BR />There will be more pressures to come on the health budget. The urgent need to step up our care and support for those with autism is clear. That is something that our Health Department has as yet not taken seriously enough, even though just over one in every 20 schoolchildren is now being diagnosed with autism. We can no longer look the other way when all those people are in need of help. <BR /> <BR />Those are immediate issues that need to be addressed. There is an urgent need to reboot our health service in the areas of routine surgery, diagnostics and cancer care, to name but a few. With those pressures being faced, surely we cannot allow the Bengoa report to gather dust.”
“Who on these Benches does not want to see a more interventionist approach taken by our Health Department when it comes to the welfare of our older people, particularly those in care homes? How much will personal protective equipment (PPE) cost the health service moving forward? In the context of social distancing, how will we invest in our health service to ensure that patients receive the best care for the smallest risk? How do we address the huge mental health problems in our society? All of that is going to cost huge sums of money. We can add to that the obesity crisis among our population and the pressures that that brings to our health service. We also have an increasingly older population. Indeed, we are leading more medically complicated lives, thanks to our incredible NHS and those involved in research and development.”
“When I consider any aspect of our budgetary process, I always revert to the fact that we all stand on a platform of delivering the best possible public services and the best value to the taxpayer, and that is certainly what my party stands for. Regardless of the Department involved, that should be at the very heart of the budgetary process. <BR /> <BR />As Deputy Chair of the Health Committee, I have sat through much evidence about the Department's budgeting, its drive for savings and so on. Surely the consequence of COVD-19 will be simply to obliterate all financial planning done in our health service to date. Already, we are seeing in-year pressures that are a cost of COVID-19. It will be no different next year and for who knows how long after. This is a budget that will continue to face unprecedented challenges.”
“If we all continue to do that, we will save lives and continue to progress back to normal or a new normal.”
“Also very welcome is the opening of places of worship for private prayer and for drive-in worship. Those are necessarily small steps, but they are steps in the right direction. It is important that, in the coming days, we continue on the road map to recovery set out by the Executive. At all times, that must be balanced by the safety to take each step. We must keep the R number down. <BR /> <BR />The message remains the same: "Stay at home as much as you can. Wash your hands. Keep two metres apart". If we do not heed those rules, we risk going backwards. The steps will save lives and enable society to move forward. The people of Northern Ireland can be rightly proud of how they have responded to the public health messages that have been issued over recent weeks.”
“We must also thank our funeral directors and undertakers for their work in recent weeks. It has been incredibly difficult, but, as always, they have carried out their duties with compassion and care, which we welcome. In the coming weeks, I am hopeful that we will see an increase in the number of people who are allowed at the graveside during a funeral, and I encourage the Executive to explore how that can be allowed. <BR /> <BR />I also commend my colleague Edwin Poots for his action as AERA Minister in handling the opening of recycling centres in conjunction with the councils and for his recent announcement to permit angling. Yesterday's announcement that outside gatherings of up to six people can take place is welcome. I emphasise that social distancing remains key, along with not sharing hard surfaces.”