Northern Ireland Executive ministers will meet today to discuss the possibility of a further easing of Covid-19 restrictions later this month.
It is understood that 26 July will be an indicative date for the next phase of reopening. However, this would have to be ratified by the executive on 22 July.
Among the measures expected to be considered by ministers today are the reopening of theatres and concert halls, a return of conferences and exhibitions, and further relaxations around limits on gatherings in private homes and gardens.
They will also discuss whether to remove the requirement for the wearing of face coverings in places of worship, and subject to public health conditions, the removal of the requirement for masks in classrooms.