The Stormont Executive is meeting on Thursday to discuss the current lockdown restrictions.
It is understood ministers will discuss extending the restrictions to March 5.
The six-week lockdown announced in December is due to end on February 6.
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Health Minister Robin Swann said he would bring a paper for ministers to consider around restrictions.
While he did not reveal his recommendations, he said that this is “not the time to open any floodgates”.
The rate of infections has slowed however hospitals remain under pressure.
On Wednesday, there were 832 Covid-positive patients in hospital, 67 of whom were in intensive care units.
Updated / Thursday, 21 Jan 2021
22:28
Northern Ireland s coronavirus lockdown restrictions have been extended to 5 March.
Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann proposed the step to help drive down case numbers, saying this was not the time to open any floodgates .
Ministerial colleagues at the Executive agreed the move following a meeting in Dungannon, Co Tyrone.
The measures will be reviewed next month, but there are suggestions the restrictions could ultimately continue until Easter in early April.
An extended lockdown began after Christmas with the closure of non-essential retailers, schools were shut to most pupils and employees were encouraged to work from home.
Family gatherings are prohibited and police enforcement has been stepped up.
Recap as Northern Ireland Executive to issue update on coronavirus restrictions
The Executive is set to meet today
General views of Parliament Buildings Stormont (Image: Kelvin Boyes/Press Eye)
The Northern Ireland Executive held a press conference today where it issued an update on the Covid-19 restrictions.
Ministers meet today for a four week review of the measures that came into force from December 26.
The press conference was held at 4.15pm, and saw the First and Deputy First Ministers confirm that the coronavirus lockdown has been extended to March 5.
Health Minister Robin Swann indicated on Wednesday that he will bring a paper to this meeting, setting out his recommendations.
RECAP as Health Minister Robin Swann leads Northern Ireland coronavirus press conference
We ll have all the latest updates.
Health Minister Robin Swann
Health Minister Robin Swann First addressed the media on Thursday to update the public on the latest with Covid-19.
Patricia Donnelly, Head of the Covid-19 Vaccine Programme and Jennifer Welsh Chief Executive Northern Trust also attended the press conference shortly after 4.30pm.
It comes after a further 22 coronavirus related deaths were reported by the DoH on January 20.
According to the latest update, 18 of the fatalities are said to have occurred within the current reporting period, and four outside of it.