To ask the Minister of Health what restrictions on businesses operating he will recommend from New Year's Eve in the event that the R-number on that date is above (i) 1.8; and (ii) 1.6.

In the period since this question was tabled the Executive has taken a series of carefully considered steps to bring us to the current position which includes a series of relaxations to restrictions on businesses.

Hospitality, retail and close contact services are permitted to operate, with mitigations in place to reduce the risk of transmission. Further advice and guidance on any restrictions on businesses is available on www.nidirect.gov.uk.