The Northern Ireland Executive is to meet in a fortnight to review Covid-19 regulations after deciding against changes today.
It will also come together next Monday to specifically discuss social distancing in hospitality and retail and whether there is a role for vaccine passports.
It is understood that is influenced by the ending of the furlough scheme at the end of September which is currently still supporting 36,000 people in the North.
The executive met for several hours this afternoon to consider any amendments to the existing rules.
It decided not to make any changes at this point.
It follows a stark warning from Minister for Health Robin Swann about the consequences of moving too fast.
Yesterday he said the health service was under tremendous pressure due to the high number of Covid-19 inpatients.
Instead, the executive will meet on 7 October to review the position with any easements agreed potentially taking effect from 14 October.
But at a joint news conference both the First and Deputy First Ministers said they did not expect 14 October to be the end of all restrictions.
They said mandatory wearing of face masks and the requirement for businesses to carry out venue risk assessments were likely to continue.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said future changes were likely to be influenced by the amount of Covid pressure on hospitals.
Earlier, health officials recommended that no changes should be made to remaining Covid-19 regulations and guidance.
Remaining restrictions in Northern Ireland include social distancing and mask wearing in some indoor hospitality and retail settings.
The Department of Health reported 1,165 new cases of Covid-19 and eight further deaths in the past 24 hours.
This morning, there were 383 Covid-19 patients in hospital, with 31 in intensive care.
A total of 2,511,208 vaccines have been administered in Northern Ireland.
Ministers considered the health advice contained in an Executive Office paper which recommended no changes should be made to current rules.
The nine areas still covered by regulations or guidance are:
- Domestic setting restrictions
- A ban on large house parties and indoor raves
- Working from home messaging
- The need to be seated to consume food and drink in a hospitality setting
- The need to be seated at indoor music events and the ban on dancing
- The requirement to wear face coverings in indoor areas such as retail and public transport
- Social distancing indoors
- The need to carry out risk assessments to stage events
- The requirement to take contact details in certain settings.
At the meeting, ministers were also due to discuss changes to the travel framework.
Northern Ireland has followed changes made by the UK government that simplify the traffic light system, with categorisations of green and amber no longer to be used.
But changes to pre-travel and post-arrival testing have not yet been introduced in Northern Ireland.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has called for the introduction of vaccine passports, which hospitality groups have resisted.
He said: "The truth is that we have two choices - increase vaccinations or introduce restrictions."
Additional reporting PA
