NI lockdown rules explained: can I go to the cinema, attend church services or play golf?

The NI Executive has said that groups of up to six people who do not share a household will be allowed to meet outdoors, so long as social distancing procedure is followed.

But what further restrictions will now be eased? Here’s what you need to know.

What restrictions will be eased?

Garden centres and recycling centres have already been allowed to reopen, but churches and places of worship can now open for private prayer.

On Monday 18 May, garden centres and recycling centres were allowed to reopen, which prompted lengthy queues at some locations. Some recycling centres had already put safety measures in place and reopened ahead of the executive's announcement last week.

Drive-in church services will now be allowed, keeping in line with social distancing and public hygiene guidelines.

Drive-in cinemas and drive-in concerts will also be allowed.

Donal McKeown, the Bishop of Derry, told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme that churches were taking steps to ensure that priests complied with health and safety guidelines.

He said, "It's important for people who've been bottled up for the past eight weeks to have a chance to talk to a priest, and ensure people can pray quietly should they wish to unburden themselves.”

Am I allowed to play golf?

Some sports, such as golf and tennis, can also restart.The Golfing Union of Ireland has said that golf will return on Wednesday 20 May.

Deputy First Minister, Ms O'Neill, said there would be "no restrictions on travelling" for any of these activities, but stressed that people taking part must still adhere to the social distancing measures and keep at least two metres apart from non-household members.

Can I visit my family indoors?

Although groups of up to six people who do not share a household will be allowed to meet outdoors, so long as social distancing is followed, First Minister Arlene Foster said the NI Executive did not agree to allow people to visit immediate family indoors, even where social distancing is possible.

However, this is included in step one of the Pathway to Recovery plan.

Ms Foster said, "We would have liked to unlock the whole of step one but, quite simply, the reason why we haven't been able to move to indoor family gatherings is because of the medical advice.”

Ms O'Neill, explained that, as soon as the advice changed, the NI Executive would then move to lift the restriction on visiting family indoors.

When will weddings be allowed to take place?

Ms Foster also said the Executive was taking into consideration the issue of small weddings and hoped that a decision could be made soon.