Lockdown is to be extended to April 1, with a review on March 18, The Impartial Reporter understands.

The Northern Ireland Executive is currently in discussions at Stormont regarding the Coronavirus restrictions but it has been reported that a decision has been made to extend lockdown until the start of April.

There have also been reports that children are to return to school on a phased bases, with P1 to P3 pupils to return on March 8, and Years 12-14 to return March 22.

This newspaper understands that some relaxations will be made in the retail sector to allow 'click and collect' shopping for outlets selling baby clothes; clothes and footwear; and electrical goods.

More to follow.