The Department of Health has made a Statutory Rule entitled "The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (Amendment No. 4) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 ", (S.R. 2021 No.130) which came into operation on 21 and 24 May 2021.

The Rule amends the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2021 (“the principal regulations”).

The Rule allows, from the 21st of May 2021, the attendance of up to 1,000 spectators at the Irish Cup Final and introduces an exemption for gatherings in respect of lawful industrial action. The Rule also allows, from the 24th of May 2021, unlicensed and licensed premises to re-open indoors and tourist accommodation and libraries to fully reopen, all of these are subject to mitigations. Indoor gatherings (not including domestic settings) are permitted subject to a risk assessment where numbers exceed 15, outdoor gatherings are subject to a limit of 500, with a risk assessment where numbers exceed 30. Restrictions on band practice and rehearsals are removed. Indoor sport, except competitive sport, may resume, subject to mitigations, all outdoor sport may resume and indoor visits between 2 households are permitted up to a maximum of 6 people from 2 families, not including children. The restrictions on overnight stays has been removed.Other regulations make consequential or technical amendments.

The rule may be purchased from the Stationery office at www.tsoshop.co.uk or by contacting TSO Customer Services on 0333 202 5070, or viewed online at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr