Hairdressers wait for news on reopening date - while shoppers join early morning queues at Primark

The powersharing executive is also discussing how to expand childcare services for under-pressure families at its meeting on Thursday.

Hair salons and barbers may be given a reopening date after ministers consider the latest medical and scientific evidence on the prevalence of coronavirus in the region.

They could also sign off on a proposal to extend free school meal support to eligible families over the summer months.

Ministers have already signalled their support for the move, if the £12 million required to pay for it can be sourced.

The two-metre social distancing measure is also set to be discussed, as is the executive’s position in regard to those who have been advised to shield during the emergency.

Andrew Mulvenna, who owns a hair salon in Belfast, said it had been a “crazy and emotional” few months.

“Hopefully today we are going to get a good announcement as to when we can open,” he told the PA news agency.

Earlier on Thursday, Primark became the latest major retailer to open its doors in Northern Ireland.

Queues formed outside stores in Belfast and Londonderry as shoppers arrived well before opening time to secure a place in the line.

In Belfast, the shop opened its doors at 8.20am – an hour and 40 minutes ahead of schedule – to help manage the queue.

One further coronavirus death was reported in the region on Wednesday, taking the total recorded by the Department of Health to 543.

On Monday, the executive announced that pubs, restaurants and hotels can reopen at the start of July.

From June 26, caravan parks, campsites and self-contained tourist accommodation will be able to reopen.

A week later on July 3, hotels, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, pubs and bars will be able to welcome customers back.

Indoor pubs and bars opening on that date will have to primarily function as restaurants and offer substantial meals with table service.

The food prerequisite does not apply to alcohol being served outside in beer gardens, though table service is again compulsory.

Museums and galleries can also reopen on July 3, but hotel leisure and spa facilities will have to remain closed.