The new restrictions will cover two weeks from November 27 until December 11.

Businesses are able to open on 20^th November, but have been told that although they can still do so, they will have to close again next Friday.

The measures agreed by the Executive are:

• Closure of all retail except essential retail that was permitted to stay open in the Spring;
• Off licences will remain open, with an 8pm closing;
• Closure of close contact services, and driving instruction (not motorcycles), except close contact for Film and TV production; those ancillary to medical, health and social care services; and elite-sports therapeutic services  - i.e. – as 13 October- 19 November;
• Closure of all hospitality (except for accommodation for essential travel).  Takeaway and delivery, and food and drink in motorway services, airports and harbour terminals remain open;
• Closure of all leisure and entertainment (to include all soft play areas, gyms, swimming pools etc);
• Sporting events only permitted for elite sports.  Individual/household outdoor exercise and school PE to continue;
• Elite sports events behind closed doors without spectators;
• No household gatherings of more than one household, other than current arrangements for linked households (bubbles), with current exceptions for caring, maintenance, house moves, etc.;
• Closure of places of worship, except for weddings, civil partnerships and funerals.  Remain with 25 max for weddings and funerals;
• Stay at home, work from home if at all possible, otherwise only leave for essential purposes such as education, healthcare needs, to care for others or outdoor exercise;
• Schools and childcare to remain open;
• Universities / FE to provide learning at distance except where it is essential to provide it face to face;
• Public parks and outdoor play areas remain open;
• Stay at home in guidance, with liaison with PSNI on policing and police visibility; and
• Financial support package to be developed over next few days.

The Executive took the decision to introduce the circuit breaker from next Friday after modelling indicated it offered a greater likelihood of avoiding further restrictions before Christmas.

Ministers today heard that the R number was around 1 and that while the current restrictions have had some positive impact, hospital inpatients numbers are still at a higher level than the first wave and are declining slowly.

Retail businesses permitted to stay open:

• Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops.
• Off licences and licensed shops selling alcohol (including breweries).
• Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists.
• Newsagents.
• Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores.
• Petrol stations.
• Motor vehicle repair and MOT services.
• Bicycle shops.
• Taxi or vehicle hire businesses.
• Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers and cash points savings clubs and undertakings which by way of business operate currency exchange offices, transmit money (or any representation of money) by any means or cash cheques which are made payable to customers.
• Post offices.
• Funeral directors.
• Laundrettes and dry cleaners.
• Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health.
• Veterinary surgeons and pet shops.
• Agricultural supplies shops.
• Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business included in this list.
• Car parks.
• Public toilets.
• Garden centres and ornamental plant nurseries (but not cafes or restaurants in such premises).
• Livestock markets.