The Executive met on Thursday afternoon to discuss the lifting of more restrictions across Northern Ireland.
An indicative date has been agreed by ministers today, which relates to live music indoors, household gatherings and travel.
It is understood that in the last hour or so, ministers have agreed that July 26 will allow for further relaxations - however this will be subject to approval on July 22.
The Stormont Executive has agreed that from this date, those who have had both vaccines and are travelling back to Northern Ireland amber countries won’t need to isolate.
Subject to full approval, from July 26:
- Theatres can reopen but with mitigations
- Return of conferences
- Live music indoors will not be subject to sound level restrictions
- Increase on number of people meeting within homes
Close contact services will no longer have to operate on appointment only basis
Remove requirement for face coverings to be worn in places of worship
It also understood that the Executive will discuss removing face masks more widely and ending social distancing in August, the BBC reports.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this week that he is confident the majority of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions in England can be lifted from July 19.
This will include making face masks voluntary and ending social distancing.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill earlier this week called the Prime Minister's plans "reckless".
She said: "We are still in a space where we need to be very careful. The Health Minister has made it very clear we are not in a position where we are able to remove face masks; I would support that.
"It is a case of trying to make steady progress, coming out of the restrictions as best we can, but I am not prepared to go to the end of the line yet because that is not where we are.
"I would be concerned, particularly for the people in England because of the route map that has been set out by Boris Johnson. In my opinion, I think it is a reckless approach."
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