Briefing on Government measures in response to COVID-19 - Friday 7 May 2021 Introduction and up-to-date Public Health Guidance Good morning, Last week, the government announced that we have moved to the early stages of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic; finally, there is a real sense that we will get to those brighter days ahead. Restrictions are being eased carefully, with a focus on finding the right balance between what is safe, what has the greatest social impact and what supports our economic recovery. Our hospitals and health service are in a much better place to where they were back in January. Our vaccination programme is advancing really well.