Non-essential retail stores and businesses could be allowed to open again later this month.
Chief Minister, Howard Quayle MHK, says organisations in those categories may be allowed to open their doors again from Monday, May 18, with further guidance to be issued in due course.
Mr Quayle says this gives the retail industry time to prepare for social distancing measures.
Meanwhile, garden centres will be able to operate again from next Monday (May 11) but any on-site cafes will only be able to run a takeaway service with no sit-in dining.
Elsewhere, businesses, particularly those which are office-based, must continue to enable staff to work from home, wherever possible.
A phased return for them may be introduced from Monday, May 25, based on risk assessments that demonstrate an employer’s ability to provide a safe place to work.
