New coronavirus restrictions are being introduced in Northern Ireland today to try to combat rising Covid cases.
Rules are also tightening in Scotland and Wales but politicians in England are unlikely to discuss possible further measures until tomorrow.
From today, Northern Ireland will no longer permit indoor standing events and nightclubs are closed.
Socialising will be reduced to three households while up to six people can meet in pubs, bars and restaurants.
Ten people will be allowed if they are from the same household. Only table service will be available.
A two-metre social distancing rule will be in place in public premises and offices.
In the week to Christmas Eve, Northern Ireland reported 17,861 new Covid infections and 18 deaths.
It is a 55% increase in positive cases compared to the same period last month (18 to 24 November) when there were 11,499 cases but more deaths, with 37 coronavirus-related fatalities.
Similar regulations are being introduced in Wales while in Scotland, large events will have one metre physical distancing and will be limited to 100 people standing indoors, 200 people sitting indoors and 500 people outdoors.
Table service will also be mandatory in places where alcohol is served.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has yet to announce any further rules for England but indicated he will not hesitate to act after Christmas if required amid rising cases of the Omicron variant.
However, it is understood school closures are not being considered for January.
A source close to UK Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: "The PM and Nadhim are fully committed to keeping schools open, and there's a shared commitment across government to do so.
"Education is a top priority and school closures are not something being considered."
