Political Reporter
Ministers face tough calls next week as they decide on the level of reopening for May amid heightened expectations from the public and business.
Thursday's announcement will also include some outline of plans for June and July covering hospitality and tourism with those sectors anxious to trade in the summer season.
So much has already been signalled that rowing back now would be difficult. However, bumps in the vaccine roll-out and a blip in case numbers are throwing curveballs that have caused some disquiet in Government.
And while there's an awareness of the pressure to reopen, there's recognition that there can be no reversal. One minister said: "Businesses want and need reopening, but we don't want to have to start rowing back."