People in Northern Ireland will have to prove they are exempt from wearing face coverings as coronavirus rules change on Friday.
As it stands, it is a legal requirement for people to wear face coverings on public transport and in shops - unless they are exempt.
Before Christmas, the Executive agreed on a package of measures to limit the spread of the Covid-19 Omicron which included enforcement of the face mask compliance message.
From 6am on December 27, a "statutory duty" was placed on businesses to take reasonable measures to promote compliance with face coverings requirements.
An Executive spokesperson said there would grace period until January 7 before enforcement is implemented and that people will have to prove their exemptions.
They added: "The exemption of wearing a face covering where it causes severe stress will be removed and the onus of proving an exemption on medical grounds will be on the individual, with a grace period until January 7 before enforcement is implemented."
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There will also be a legal duty on businesses to take all reasonable steps to minimise transmission of the spread of the virus.
The Executive is meeting today to assess the latest Covid-19 data resulting from the Omicron wave.
It is expected that current restrictions will be kept in place as ministers and health officials continue to closely monitor the spread of the new variant.
Staffing pressures in hospitals, schools and workplaces will likely be among the main issues discussed as rising case numbers mean more people are required to self-isolate.
Maintaining Covid testing capacity will also be a key concern due to the high levels of demand.
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