Executive meeting to discuss covid restrictions following rise in cases
It's thought the number of people allowed to meet indoors could be reduced
The number of people allowed to meet indoors in Northern Ireland could be reduced under fresh restrictions aimed at stemming the spread of coronavirus.
Health Minister Robin Swann said the Stormont Executive will discuss a range of potential restrictions when it meets today.
He said these could include reducing the number of people who can meet together in a household, as well as indoor and outdoor gatherings, and sporting events.
Mr Swann said chief medical officer Michael McBride and chief scientific adviser Ian Young will make recommendations to ministers.
Dr McBride said he will recommend a return to full lockdown if the region reaches the point of 80 cases per 100,000 head of population.
The infection rate per head of population in Northern Ireland is the highest in the UK or Ireland - 16 per 100,000 in the last seven days, or 24 per 100,000 in the last 14 days.
There is considerable variation in areas, from less than three per 100,000 in the Fermanagh and Omagh council area to consistently more than 50 in the Mid and East Antrim council area.
There have been almost 300 new cases confirmed in Northern Ireland over the past seven days.
Mr Swann said it has not been possible to pinpoint a reason for the increases.
Mr Swann also said he could not rule out a return to full lockdown later this year.
The Department of Health's daily figures on Wednesday included notification of another 34 positive cases in the region, bringing the total number of cases to 6,505.
No further deaths with Covid-19 were reported leaving the tally in the region, according to the department, at 559.