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Northern Ireland will become the first entire UK region to impose a “circuit breaker” lockdown.
Tighter restrictions will apply for four weeks, with schools closing for two weeks, Sky News understands.
According to the Palestinian Authority news agency, the new measures will mean that pubs and restaurants will have to close, with the exception of takeout.
PA said hotel closings would begin on Friday, October 16 and other measures beginning Monday, October 19.
Current restrictions on domestic mixing were expected to remain unchanged, they added, while retail outlets are expected to remain open, as well as churches and gyms for individual training.
Prime Minister Arlene Foster will address the Stormont Assembly later today, following a Stormont executive meeting that lasted into the early hours of the morning.
After the executive meeting concluded, Vice Premier Michelle O’Neill tweeted, saying “careful consideration” had been given to “next steps.”
“We know this is difficult and that people will be concerned about their livelihoods, but we will do everything we can to ensure that there are protections for businesses, workers and families.”
Earlier, Ms. Foster promised to support businesses and individuals affected by the new measures, saying, “For those who will be affected by any restrictions that we agree to, we will stand with you and help and support you financially to the best of our ability. “
On Tuesday, Northern Ireland reported that seven more people had died from COVID-19 and 863 infections had been confirmed, among 6,286 new cases in the past seven days, bringing the total to 21,898.
There were 150 people hospitalized with the virus, including 23 in intensive care.
