Northern Ireland is expected to be forced into lockdown for approximately six weeks from Boxing Day.
Understandably, ministers have fallen into an intense period of restrictions after Christmas, with non-essential stores, hospitality – except for fast food – and close contact services like beauty salons closed.
Measures will be reviewed after four weeks.
It is expected that the rules in place across the UK that allow families to form Christmas bubbles for up to three families are expected.
The stricter rules in Northern Ireland come after Wells also announced that it will go into lockdown after the five-day waiver period expires on December 28.
Boris Johnson He refused to bow to mounting pressure to tear apart the Christmas rules as medics warned that easing restrictions during the holidays could lead to more deaths.
(Photo: PA)
But he urged people to “Merry Christmas” by making the visits short, small and local.
Families across the UK are being urged to carefully consider the risks of traveling to see their loved ones and only stay overnight or see elderly relatives if it is absolutely necessary.
The latest restrictions on Northern Ireland come as case numbers continue to rise despite a recent two-week circuit breaker.
Health chiefs blamed the low compliance with infection rules, hospital admissions, and death rates that remained relatively high.
Hospitals across the region are exceeding capacity with occupancy rates of 104%.
On Thursday, Northern Ireland had 12 more Corona Virus Deaths, bringing the death toll in the region to 1154.
656 new cases of the virus have been reported, while the numbers indicated that the pressure remains high on hospitals with 460 Covid-19 patients, of whom 32 are in intensive care.
“Subtly charming bacon junkie. Infuriatingly humble beer trailblazer. Introvert. Evil reader. Hipster-friendly creator.”