Lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland will be extended until 1 April, the Stormont Executive has agreed.

Restrictions were imposed on 26 December to manage the spread of Covid-19.

Health officials have said they want to avoid a possible rise in cases around St Patrick’s Day on 17 March.

Another review of the measures will take place on 18 March.

First Minister Arlene Foster said Northern Ireland knew “from experience what looks like success is hard-won, but also fragile”.

“We need decisions to be safe and sustainable, with a proper sequencing of actions.”

The executive will publish its pathway-to-recovery blueprint for Northern Ireland on 1 March, she said.

It is not expected to include indicative reopening dates and Mrs Foster said she would be focused on “data, not dates”.