A plan for Northern Ireland’s “pathway to recovery” from Coronavirus will be published by the Executive next week.
The Deputy First Minister said it will not detail dates but indications on when it would be suitable to lift lockdown restrictions.
But both Michelle O’Neill and First Minister Arlene Foster said we need to “be realistic” in terms of how the virus has changed life.
Mrs Foster said: “We will have to learn to live with the virus until we defeat it.
“We appreciate that six weeks on from the original lockdown announcement that the public’s patience is being tested.”
She said she is aware that families want to see each other, but added: “However as strong as that desire may be, we also need to be realistic.
“As we head into another weekend we need to remain at home as often as possible.
“The danger of Covid-19 cases spiking again is very real.
“We are working intensively to work out the right time to lift restrictions.”
But in the meantime she said “we need you to limit your activity”.
Michelle O’Neill said her condolences are with the families of the further 18 people who have died from the infectious disease.
And said her thoughts are with equally with the nurse “who gave her two children to her mummy to look after so she could care for patients”, those waiting for urgent treatment, those living in care homes who have not seen their families in six weeks.
“We are thinking about you,” she added.
But she warned “we are not yet in a space where we can allow people to move around any more than is necessary.
“The virus is still killing people and the more we move around the more it spreads.
“These restrictions are in place for you and for your family.”
Outlining three points on the current situation, she added: “We don’t doubt for one second how difficult all these measures are for everyone.
“We will continue to work around the clock on your behalf - we will be reviewing all the regulations again next week.”
And finally, “when we reach a stage where we can make some small changes... we will communicate that to you.”
Mrs Foster urged the public not to “take any chances this weekend”.
Opening her statement to the public, she also congratulated Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the birth of his new son.
