Those shielding can return to normal life next week

Anyone clinically vulnerable who is currently shielding will be able to return to normal lives from next Monday.

Health and Social Care Minister, David Ashford MHK, has confirmed anyone shielding will no longer have to do so from February 1 as long as the lockdown is lifted as expected on that day.

Meanwhile, on the same day and subject to the lifting of restrictions going ahead, maternity services at Noble's Hospital will return to normal procedures.

Elective surgeries will resume in a managed way across different specialities.