Alliance Health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw MLA has said people in Northern Ireland will be expecting a swift response after news Covid restrictions on adult social care are to be eased in England from Monday.

Limits on visits will be removed, with changes made to isolation periods and outbreak management rules. The South Belfast MLA said she hoped Northern Ireland would be able to follow soon.

“People in Northern Ireland will be expecting a swift response from the Health Minister so that people here can also visit their loved ones,” said the South Belfast MLA.

“Cautious progress will be welcomed and the removal of similar restrictions will mean so much to families who have been impacted by the pandemic. Many people have missed valuable time that could have been spent with those they care about the most.

“I have already pushed for evidence around the balance between the risk of Covid to fully vaccinated people and the ongoing trauma caused by extended periods of separation. It is time people here are given the same opportunity to safely reconnect, and they must be supported as they do so.

“I urge the Health Minister to bring forward the next scheduled review of this matter so people can reconnect together sooner.”