evidence: - After Northern Ireland's lockdown evidence is criticised as "flimsy" and "shocking", Swann says that not to act on the evidence would have been a "total abdication of responsibility".[178] [...] - 10 December – As Northern Ireland nears the end of its latest lockdown, ministers urge people not to "get caught up in the Christmas spirit" and to behave sensibly.[250] [...] - 26 December – Northern Ireland goes into a six-week lockdown after rules were briefly relaxed for Christmas Day.[270]