Stormont Executive meeting to consider changes to lockdown

By Q Radio News.

The Stormont Executive will meet this morning. to consider if some planned changes to Northern Ireland's lockdown can start on Monday.

Vulnerable people advised to shield could be allowed outdoors and outdoor weddings with 10 people present will also be allowed.

Some non-food outdoor retail outlets may reopen, such as businesses selling cars and agricultural machinery.

Some indoor non-food businesses with low footfall such as electrical stores, mobile phone shops and furniture stores could also reopen, as long as they have direct outdoor access.

Outdoor sports courts, dog groomers and horse trainers may also be allowed to reopen.

The steps will only be introduced if the scientific evidence indicates that the virus continues to be suppressed.

But the moves will only be confirmed if the R-number has stayed below one, with Northern Ireland Executive the latest information on the reproductive rate of the virus later today.

Speaking last week when the potential easements were announced, First Minister Arlene Foster said the measures would come into effect "provided that the R value does not increase above one".

Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the R number - the number of people an infected person infects - was currently just below one in the region.

"For me it's about steady as you go," she said.