Five years ago, the first coronavirus lockdown was imposed in Northern Ireland and across the UK. On Monday, March 23, 2020, then Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the lockdown - and with it a host of rules. During lockdown, people were told they must stay at home and only leave for essential reasons, which included exercising once a day and shopping for basic necessities as infrequently as possible. The Prime Minister described Covid-19 as "the biggest threat this country has faced for decades." A number of lockdowns followed, with the gradual easing of restrictions over time. On February 15, 2022, all remaining restrictions were no longer legally binding, with then Health Minister Robin Swann indicating the remaining measures would be issued as guidance to the public. Read more: Day of reflection marks five years since start of Covid-19 pandemic Read more: Families bereaved by Covid-19 in NI express hope to influence public policy Looking back on the first lockdown five years ago, we have put together a list of some of the things you couldn't do in Northern Ireland then that you can do now. When lockdown was announced, all non-essential businesses were ordered to close in a bid to curb coronavirus cases. Essential retail businesses including supermarkets, convenience stores, off-licenses and newsagents were permitted to stay open with social distancing measures in place. People were told they could shop for basic necessities as infrequently as possible during the first lockdown, with many people queuing outside supermarkets to stock up. Exercise outside more than once a day Government advice said members of the public could leave their house for "one form of exercise a day." There was no time limit on the exercise, but guidance said those exercising must "minimise the time you are out of your home." When exercising people were told they must "remain at least 2 metres apart from anyone who is not a member of your household." Exercise could only be carried out alone or with members of your household. Meet up with more than one person Gatherings of more than two people, except of people from the same household, for work purposes, or for a funeral, were banned during the first lockdown. Work in-person You can now travel to work in-person, when non-essential workers were told to work from home during lockdown, with the aim being to stay at home as much as possible. However, coronavirus has changed our work-lives, with many of us continuing to work fully remotely or a mix of days at home and in-person as a result. Enjoy hospitality venues Bars, restaurants, cafes, and other hospitality venues were closed during the first lockdown. As time went on, venues began to reopen, first offering deliveries and takeaways, with many businesses such as bars diversifying to offer such options. Visit leisure and entertainment venues Due to a ban on non-essential businesses opening, the first lockdown meant all sports and entertainment facilities such as gyms, golf courses, swimming pools, theatres, cinemas, bowling alleys, and museums were closed. Go to the hairdressers Close contact services including hairdressers, beauticians, tattoo parlours, and tanning shops were not permitted to operate during the first lockdown. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.