BBC News
By Jayne McCormack
Published
image copyrightDavid Young
image captionIf the number of coronavirus cases rises sharply, restrictions may need to be reimposed before the new year
Stormont ministers have appealed to people in NI not to get caught up in the Christmas spirit with Covid-19 lockdown restrictions set to be eased.
A two-week lockdown ends at 23:59 GMT, meaning hairdressers, shops and some hospitality businesses can reopen.
First Minister Arlene Foster urged people to be sensible about limiting their social contacts.
She said the executive was disappointed that transmission of the virus had not reduced significantly.
Another 14 coronavirus-related deaths were recorded by Northern Ireland s Department of Health on Thursday.