Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster said ministers had held a "comprehensive discussion" about what to do when current restrictions on hospitality in Northern Ireland expire on 13 November.
Medics have recommended their extension. She said: "These discussions will continue and we will intensify our engagement with the hospitality sector representatives as we seek a safe and sustainable way forward." Mrs Foster said the Stormont Executive considered a "range of medical and scientific" evidence at a meeting today.
Northern Ireland today reported eight further Covid-19 linked deaths and 516 new cases of the virus today. The death toll now stands at 752, with 41,374 confirmed cases, including 4,256 in the last seven days.