The Northern Ireland Executive will not meet tomorrow as planned to discuss restrictions, it's understood.
As the Deputy First Minister isolates after contracting Covid-19, the meeting has been pushed back to next week.
Junior Minister Declan Kearney is overseeing Executive business until Ms O'Neill's return but can’t co-chair executive meetings, the BBC is reporting.
First Minister Paul Givan has previously said he wanted all coronavirus restrictions lifted by the end of September and the Economy Minister has supported his colleague's call.
"We need to start moving on these issues, we have to take into account the impact on the economy, the health service and society more generally," Gordon Lyons told BBC News NI on Tuesday.
"Although we have a steady number of cases, we have had a massive reduction in the number of hospitalisations compared to January and February.
"As an executive we've all said we want these restrictions to end as soon as possible, taking all the evidence on board including the economic and health data as well."
Michelle O’Neill has said she is self-isolating after contracting Covid-19 - the Sinn Féin politician tweeted that she hopes to return to public duties next week.
She wrote: “I have contracted Covid-19. I am thankful to have had two doses of the vaccine.
“I’ll remain in self-isolation and hope to return to my public duties next week.
“Executive Office Minister Declan Kearney will take forward departmental business in the meantime.”
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