Executive meeting ahead of businesses re-opening
The Stormont Executive is meeting later today (Thursday) to discuss the impact of the circuit-breaker extension and whether more restrictions will be needed this side of Christmas.
Businesses such as non-essential retail and some parts the hospitality sector across Northern Ireland are due to re-open tomorrow.
But yesterday health officials warned that easing restrictions will have consequences with Health Minister Robin Swann saying a potential third wave could be even worse than the other two.
The R rate of infection is currently around 1.
Anything above that and we could face further lockdown restrictions.
Certainly, the Executive has not ruled out introducing more measures.
Downtown Radio & Cool FM spoke to First Minister Arlene Foster earlier in the week and she said the Executive would be given a progress report on the impact of the current circuit-breaker extension.
It is also expected there will more guidance issued on visiting for families of loved ones in care homes.
Only a small number of care homes have currently implemented the care partners visiting scheme, announced by Minister Swann two months ago.
This has angered many families who have not been allowed to visit since March.