Stormont ministers unveil a five-step plan to take Northern Ireland out of lockdown
The plan will be progressed based on scientific evidence, ministers say, but there are no dates for when each step will be enacted
The manager of one of NI’s largest care home providers says the sector was forgotten about at the start of the pandemic
There have been nine more coronavirus-related deaths in NI, according to figures from the Department of Health, bringing its total to 447
Data from Nisra, which includes all deaths where Covid-19 was mentioned on a death certificate, said 516 people had died with coronavirus in NI by 1 May
A further 627 people have died across the UK bringing the death toll up to 32,692
The Department of Health in Ireland have announced a further 24 deaths, bringing the overall death toll there to 1,488
It was another very busy day in Northern Ireland as the executive published its coronavirus recovery roadmap.
The reaction to that document and the questions it raises will no doubt continue tomorrow, and we will bring you full coverage throughout the day.
Until then, we leave you with a picture of Enniskillen Castle lit up blue to celebrate International Nurses Day.
Goodnight!
Here's a look back at today's main coronavirus news stories
On International Nurses Day, the South Eastern Trust's director of nursing has thanked staff working on the front line during the coronavirus outbreak.
2020 is the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife and Nicki Patterson said "we could never have imagined how things would be" on this day.
"I want to thank every nurse and health care support worker for the dedication and professionalism you have all shown, and continue to show, during this very challenging time," the director of nursing said.
Image source, Getty Images"I have seen and heard many examples of nurses and those who support them excelling in the areas where they normally work and in areas unfamiliar to them and beyond their comfort zone, delivering and often leading services, with head and heart.
"And all of this against a back drop of what had already been a challenging year with industrial action and an ever growing demand for services which often outstrips our hospital capacity."
Read the full letter here, external.
A trial of potential coronavirus drugs aimed at over-50s, who are vulnerable to developing serious symptoms, is looking to recruit more UK volunteers.
More than 500 GP surgeries are asking those with a new, continuous cough or high temperature to test existing drugs.
Image source, Getty ImagesPatients aged over 65 or over 50 with an underlying health condition can fill out an online questionnaire , externalat home to see whether they can be included.
Patients can also contact participating GPs , externalto discuss their suitability.
First Minister Arlene Foster says the Stormont Executive will look at the issue of sick pay for private sector care home staff.
It comes after BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme discovered that staff at some private care homes are only offered statutory sick pay if they take ill.
That includes staff who test positive for Covid-19 or who have to self-isolate.
Image source, Thinkstock“I think that this is something that we as an Executive need to look at because it's the private sector that's all they're entitled to,” Mrs Foster told MLAs earlier on Tuesday.
She added: “We do want to look at that particular issue, because we do want to value all of our caring staff and I think it is important that I say that.”.
With so many businesses being closed, the PSNI are warning owners to carry out a security review of their premises.
PSNI Supt Gordon McCalmont says while police “continuing to patrol all business premises” there are a number of practical security steps owners should take.
Image source, Getty ImagesHe offers the advice below:
International Nurses Day has been marked in Northern Ireland.
Earlier on Tuesday, Health Minister Robin Swann paid tribute to the role of nurses during the pandemic.
“I want to thank each and every one of our incredible nurses who are on the front line in the battle against the greatest public health crisis of our time," he said.
The day is celebrated around the world every 12 May - with this year marking the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.
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Image source, Getty ImagesHouse moves and viewings will be able to resume again in England from Wednesday, under new government coronavirus rules.
The changes were contained in the updated lockdown regulations presented to parliament on Tuesday.
Buyers and renters had previously been urged to delay moving while the "stay at home" advice was in place.
Lockdown measures are being eased across England from Wednesday after more than seven weeks of restrictions.
A former NI environment minster has welcomed moves to encourage a new type of cyclist here during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Earlier on Tuesday, MLAs unanimously passed the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles Regulations - that means some electric bikes, or e-bikes, can be used on public roads without the need for registration or licensing during the COVID-19 restrictions.
“This is welcome news and certainly something that will encourage an uptake in this environmentally friendly means of travel,” SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan, NI’s environment minister in 2016, says.
“E-bikes allow more people to avail of active travel including older individuals- encouraging their use in daily commutes and for recreational purposes is better for our health, better for the planet and easier on the pocket."
GAA president John Horan has called on the Stormont Executive to consider providing a financial support package for the sport in Northern Ireland.
Mr Horan said Ulster GAA clubs would need funding to overcome the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.
The association has opened talks with the Irish government about funding.
Image source, Inpho"To realise the impact that our organisation makes within society," Mr Horan said when asked what his message to the Stormont Executive would be.
"Because of the restrictions that we have in terms of our activities, that they would give consideration to giving some allocation of funding to the GAA.
"This would allow it to get back on its feet as a strong organisation and not find itself restricted by the financial hits that we have suffered."
Read more here
Image source, PA MediaThe Queen and senior royals have called healthcare workers around the world to mark International Nurses Day amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Princess Royal, the Countess of Wessex and Princess Alexandra all took part in the tributes.
Prince Charles thanked nurses for their "diligence" and "courage" while Camilla said: "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary people."
In a video montage released by Kensington Palace on Instagram, many nurses were seen wearing face masks as they spoke to the royals about the impact of the virus.
The British Medical Association (BMA) in Northern Ireland has said the executive plan for easing lockdown must be "clear".
Northern Ireland chair Dr Tom Black said that putting the country into lockdown was easier than getting out of it.
He said it was important to make sure that there is "clear messaging throughout these stages so the general public know what they need to do".
“When reviewing this plan our main concern has been will these steps protect doctors and ensure that our health service can cope," he said.
He said they were anticipating an increase in non-covid work in the coming weeks.
Image source, Getty ImagesHe said they were anticipating an increase in non-covid work in the coming weeks.
“In order to make sure we continue to cope we will also need to see a clear plan to make sure sufficient and appropriate PPE is available across primary and secondary care and in our care homes so all our staff and patients are kept safe.
"We will also need to see the plans for testing and tracing developed at speed, and in a way that is robust, based on science and fit for purpose," he said.
The number of people who have died because of Covid-19 is nearly twice as high as the figure announced every day, the BBC's head of statistics Robert Cuffe says.
By 1 May, the UK government said there were just over 28,000 deaths but looking back at death registrations filed, it's just under 36,000.
However counting all deaths above what would be expected was even higher - more than 50,000.
You can read more of his in-depth look at the figures here.
This is well worth a listen back.
This morning, Colette McAlinden, a domestic worker on a Covid-19 ward, told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme about delivering a baby in the hospital car park.
You can hear an excerpt of her incredible story below or listen to the full interview here.
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Féile an Phobail, also known as the West Belfast Festival, is going virtual this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Our August festival programme will go ahead in the form of a ‘Virtual’ Féile where you can relax safe in the comfort of your own home, and still enjoy what Féile 32 has to offer," director Kevin Gamble says.
He adds: “The online programme will include a series of music concerts, high profile debates and discussions, theatre, visual arts, workshops and community events for everyone to get involved in."
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NI Secretary Brandon Lewis has welcomed the executive's five-stage plan for easing the Covid-19 lockdown.
He said Northern Ireland is "cautiously taking early steps towards recovery".
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Image source, Getty ImagesHome schooling is a big challenge for all involved but parents and guardians are being reminded that playtime is also important for children's physical development and emotional wellbeing.
If you're running low on ideas on how to keep the kids amused at home during lockdown, Playboard NI has a few suggestions - including a "magic box" miming game, a recipe for homemade playdough and lots of ways to put your empty milk cartons to good use.
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Today is International Nurses Day and amid the current pandemic, many are keen to express their gratitude to those providing vital healthcare.
A call has been made for people to shine a light in their windows at 20:00 BST to mark the day.
Encouraging the public to get involved, the National Trust posted this image of a candle holder which sits in a window at Hezlett House in County Londonderry.
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Image source, Family handoutA railway ticket office worker has died with coronavirus after being spat at by a man who claimed he had Covid-19.
Belly Mujinga, 47, who had underlying respiratory problems, was working at Victoria station in London in March when she was assaulted, along with a female colleague.
Within days of the incident, both women fell ill with the virus.
British Transport Police said an inquiry had been launched to trace the man who spat at the pair.
Could there be some movement on the fast food front? McDonald's says it will re-open some of its drive-thrus from next week.
Outlets in Dublin will be the first to open, before other locations follow.
However the company will "cap spend in drive-thrus at €30 per car".
Image source, McDonaldsThe chain spends €163m on Irish beef for export to its restaurants in the UK and Europe.
Its 95 restaurants contribute close to €200m to the Irish economy, according to the company.
In the UK, McDonald's has revealed it will reopen its first restaurants for delivery only on 13 May.