First Minister, Arlene Foster has announced that people who are currently shielding will be able to go outside from Monday, June 8.

Mrs. Foster, speaking at the daily Stormont briefing, said the decision was taken following consultation with the Chief Medical and Chief Scientific Advisors. 

“We can advise that from next Monday, 8 June, those who are shielding will be able to spend time outside with people from their own household, or one person from another household whilst ensuring social distancing is observed.

"We believe that this a reasonable and proportionate first step."

Letters will be sent out to more than 80,000 people in high risk groups who had received correspondence from the Department of Health at the beginning of lockdown with advice to remain indoors for 12 weeks.

Mrs. Foster said further clarity will be issued on plans to protect those shielding and clinically vulnerable.

Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill has called the change to restrictions as "baby steps".

"We know how difficult these restrictions have been for everyone and they have been especially difficult and challenging for those who have been advised to shield so I also am pleased we are able to come forward with that little bit of good news for those people who have been doing so well throughout the most difficult of circumstances." 

Although advice from scientific and medical experts is that the risk of exposure is significantly reduced, those who have been shielding are still very vulnerable to the disease.

"You have come this far so make sure you protect yourself as best you can until were out the other side of this.

"Again, we recognise that these are baby steps, but they are baby steps in the right direction."