Michelle O’Neill has said that further easing of Northern Ireland’s coronavirus restrictions could be agreed this week.
Restrictions on live music, outdoor gatherings and increased numbers in private dwellings were due to be lifted on June 21 but were postponed to an indicative date of July 5 due to the threat of the Delta variant in Northern Ireland.
The Deputy First Minister told the assembly that proposals under consideration include the reopening of theatres and indoor seated venues, walk-ins for close contact services, reopening conference/exhibition centres and allowing residential stays for youth services.
She said: "Alongside all of that work officials are looking ahead to next week's executive and what potentially we can bring forward there also, all the while informed by scientific and medical advice.
"All things being equal we'd hope to progress these things on Thursday provided that's supported by health and science."
All decisions set to be considered by the Executive this week will be made in line with health advice admits the increase in potential cases of the Delta variant.
Monday’s coronavirus dashboard from the Department of Health recorded no new Covid-19 related deaths with 211 further positive cases reported.
