THE Stormont Executive has agreed a “significant date” of Thursday, October 14 for further easing COVID-19 restrictions in the North of Ireland.
However, any changes to the rules will be subject to a review on October 7.
There are nine Covid-19 restrictions still legally enforceable in the North which includes social distancing and wearing a face mask in indoor settings.
It came as the Department of Health advised against their removal.
On Thursday, the Department of Health reported a further eight deaths and 1,165 new cases in the North of Ireland in the previous 24 hours.
Speaking following the Executive’s first face-to-face meeting in more than a year, Mr Givan said the North was making “steady progress” in relation to COVID-19.
First Minister Paul Givan said: “Over the past 10 days we’ve had a 25% reduction of hospital admissions.
“In terms of the models that we’re following as an Executive, we are on a trajectory around the optimistic model both in respect of community transmission and hospitalisation.
“That is something that we are continuing to monitor which will inform the decisions the executive will take over the next number of weeks.”
Mr Givan said the executive will meet again on Monday to discuss the easing of social distancing measures in certain sectors.
“In respect of social distancing, I know that is something which, for certain sectors, there is a time-critical decision with the ending of the furlough scheme.”
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the Executive’s approach to easing restrictions at Thursday’s meeting was “always going to be cautious” but was “the right approach”.
“In terms of the models that we’re following as an Executive, we are on a trajectory around the optimistic model both in respect of community transmission and hospitalisation.
“That is something that we are continuing to monitor which will inform the decisions the executive will take over the next number of weeks.”
Earlier in September COVID-19 rules for hospitality businesses in the North of Ireland were eased, with table service restrictions removed.
It meant customers were allowed to queue for service in bars and pubs for the first time since pandemic measures were introduced.
Dancing is now allowed at weddings and civil partnership receptions but nightclubs remain closed.
Many in the hospitality industry are waiting for guidance on nightclubs, after a long period of closure.
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