The Stormont executive is to consider extending Northern Ireland's current coronavirus restrictions to March 5, Belfast Live understands.
A paper being brought to the Executive today by Health Minister Robin Swann is understood to propose a four-week extension of the current rules.
Northern Ireland is currently in the fourth week of a six-week lockdown which came into effect after Christmas and was due to end around February 6.
It is expected that any extension to the restrictions would be subject to review part-way through.
The proposals are not believed to include further measures for schools.
Stormont ministers are due to review the stringent lockdown restrictions later today having pledged to re-examine them after four weeks.
It was considered highly unlikely that ministers would ease the current measures aimed at preventing Covid-19 case numbers overwhelming the health service.
On Wednesday, Mr Swann warned: "This is not the time to open floodgates or take premature decisions that would lead to another spike in cases."
The minister confirmed he would bring forward recommendations from his officials, but said he would not pre-empt the outcome of today's Executive meeting.
Under the current lockdown, people have been urged to largely stay at home except for exercise, food, medical needs or essential work.
The meeting comes after Mr Swann announced he had asked the Ministry of Defence to assist medical staff in Northern Ireland in tackling Covid-19.
