Cafes and restaurants in Northern Ireland may reopen this week

An announcement will be made this evening.

iRadio Stock Image

Cafes and restaurants in Northern Ireland may be allowed to reopen this week, but without selling alcohol.

A four-week circuit-break lockdown in effect in the North is due to expire on Thursday.

Ministers in Stormont are meeting for a second time today to decide whether to ease Covid-19 restrictions on Thursday as planned. An earlier meeting was adjourned so additional scientific evidence could be gathered.

Hospitals in the North remain under pressure. Ten deaths from Coronavirus have been confirmed today, alongside 471 new cases.

It's expected some restrictions will be extended for two weeks while others will be eased.

Restaurants and cafes may be allowed reopen without selling alcohol, which hospitality sector representatives say will make trading unviable. Hairdressers and beauticians may also be allowed reopen under proposals being considered.

An announcement will be made later this evening.