No decisions about NI covid restrictions made

Stormont ministers have not changed any Covid-19 restrictions at Thursday's Executive meeting.

Ministers have however agreed to reconvene next Wednesday when it is anticipated that measures will be considered.

It is understood Thursday's meeting focused on data presented by health officials on the threat posed by Omicron.

Further data on the variant is to be collected over the weekend and presented to ministers ahead of next week's meeting.

Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill has said more data expected to be available by next week will inform further steps to be taken in the coronavirus pandemic.

Ms O'Neill tweeted that ministers discussed the developing Omicron situation.

"More data available next week, which will give a clearer picture of impacts & steps we may need to take Evidence shows that getting booster vaccine is vital in our defence - please get yours," she tweeted.

Executive statement

A statement from the First and Deputy First Ministers published after the meeting states that "engagement has stepped up" and that "planning is underway" to develop measures that could be deployed to slow the virus's spread.

It said: "Engagement has stepped up between Ministers and officials across these islands. None of us yet know the full extent of this variant, but our public health experts are working intensively to analyse the evidence and will continue to keep us updated as the necessary data becomes available.

"Scenario planning is underway to develop a package of potential measures we could deploy to slow the spread of the virus and when would be the most effective time to deploy them. Those decisions will be underpinned by scientific and medical advice and the Executive will meet again next week to review the data and consider next steps."