Coronavirus NI: Indoor gyms and betting shops given dates they can reopen | Social distancing down to one metre from two

First Minister, Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill revealed what the NI Executive had decided at a Coronavirus press briefing on Thursday afternoon.

Betting shops can reopen from July 3 and indoor gyms the week after on July 10.

Outdoor playgrounds have also received July 10 as an indicative date for when they can reopen.

Other services and sectors to receive indicative dates included: public libraries July 16; indoor sports courts August 7; bingo halls and cinemas July 29; competitive sport July 17; spectator sport July 31; leisure centres and soft play areas August 7 and open air museums from late August.

The decision to reduce social distancing to one metre from two comes only 24 hours after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a similar measure for all of England.

The announcement comes with the caveat that people should continue to observe the two metre guidance when possible.

The decision to go to one metre social distancing was heavily influenced by concerns from within the Northern Ireland tourism and hospitality sector.

In recent weeks many pub, cafe and restaurant owners said the difference between social distancing at two metres and social distancing at one metre could decide whether certain businesses could remain open.