Health Minister Robin Swann says some restrictions may remain in place for the long term
The executive will review the restrictions next week but the measures are currently in place until 5 March
There's been four more Covid-19-related deaths in Northern Ireland - bringing the Department of Health total to 1,957
NI health service to get £175m for more protective equipment for staff
That brings our coverage to an end on this chilly February day.
We thought we'd leave you with a stunning picture of 'sea glass' at Ballycastle sent in to us by Jacqui Wright.
Until next time, goodbye.
Image source, Jacqui WrightAmong the issues covered by Health Minister Robin Swann and Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride, we learned:
Responding to a question from BBC News NI Health Correspondent Marie-Louise Connolly, Dr McBride says he is looking forward "to a spring and summer when more of us can come together".
He emphasises that this is something that is more likely to happen outdoors.
"The virus will become endemic, it will become something that we live with," he says.
He says living with the virus in the future will depend on the response to the virus, and adapting to the new variations.
"It is important we don't move too rapidly, or too early."
Covid-19 will "will not disappear as quickly as it appeared", the health minister says.
"I know there was some speculation this time last year that it would do that, that it would burn itself out, that's not going to happen," Robin Swann continues.
The minister says he appreciates the restrictions in place have been "hard asks" of people.
However, he warns they are needed "until we see the full beneficial impact of our vaccination programme, which is making good progress".
Image source, Pacemaker"They're a change in life and a change in experience," Mr Swann says.
In a message to the public, he adds: "Be under no illusion that the steps they take, the precautions they take on a daily basis does save lives, does take pressure off our health service."
The decline of hospital inpatient numbers must be kept "in perspective", Robin Swann explains.
Detailing that there was a "very high point with nearly 1,000 Covid inpatients towards the end of last year", he says numbers have been "far and above the peak of the first wave".
Image source, PA MediaOn Wednesday, it was reported there were 544 patients being treated for the virus across NI's hospitals, a fall of 35 from the previous day.
However, there are 61 patients in intensive care and 57 requiring ventilation.
The minister says this large number of Covid patients brings "bring additional pressures".
"We must not let history repeat itself," Robin Swann warns.
The health minister says lessons must be learned from the relaxation of rules before Christmas.
"We cannot walk the public out of one lockdown, only to end up falling into another in a small number of weeks," Mr Swann explains.
Image source, PA Media"We remember only too well what happened over the Christmas period, and how increased mixing led to a huge spike in cases," he continues.
"In the coming weeks, we have St Patrick’s Day and the Easter holidays – times when people traditionally meet up, for socialising, for family time."
Image source, PA MediaDr McBride is now questioned about comments he has made in recent days about potential ongoing restrictions into 2022.
"What I did say, and just to clarify, is that it would be unrealistic that there would not be a requirement for some restrictions over the course of this year," he says.
He notes that the restrictions could subside more in the summer, but it is "likely" additional restrictions may be required again next winter.
"This virus doesn't disappear, it is likely we will have to change the vaccines," he says, adding vaccines do not give blanket coverage.
"That is just stating the obvious, and what we know about this virus, and what we have learnt about this virus over the last year."
Dr McBride follows up now with graphs showing some positive progress for Northern Ireland.
The first graph shows a significant reduction in the seven-day rolling average number of cases - especially among the over-60s.
The test positivity rate has fallen from 13% to 8% - although this is higher than the WHO's recommended level of 5%.
Dr McBride notes testing levels remain high, which indicates the reduction in case numbers is down to less community transmission.
He says that admissions will remain at a high level "for some number of weeks", and that intensive care levels remain at "an extremely high level".
Dr McBride outlines what is required for restrictions to begin to be lifted in Northern Ireland.
"What is needed now is caution, and a determination to avoid any false starts or false hope," he says.
He says there is also a "need to be optimistic that things will get better".
He says, what will be needed for restrictions to be lifted will be:
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride is up next.
He opens by thanking everyone in Northern Ireland for the "contribution" they have made in the nearly 12 months since Covid-19 came to Northern Ireland.
He says that the knock-on effect of the lockdown has meant a reduction in other types of seasonal illness.
Dr McBride says it has meant no outbreaks of flu or winter vomiting bug.
Image source, The Stormont Executive"Caution must be the watchword" on lifting Covid-19 restrictions, Robin Swann says.
"When it comes, the easing of any restrictions, we have to crawl before we walk, walk before we even think about running," he tells the briefing.
Mr Swann says he "knows how fed up everyone is" and shares his own frustration with the need for measures to be in place.
"There is still work to be done," he explains.
Image source, Stormont Executive OfficeThe minister says next week the executive will "look at what should be done in March".
"It will consider what changes, if any, should be made to current restrictions."
Mr Swann says he will be guided by infection rates, hospital pressures and explains "new variants represent a considerable uncertainty".
A day when restrictions will no longer be required is “achievable”, Robin Swann says, however, he adds, “we must tread carefully towards it”.
The health minister outlines that vaccinations are “protecting more and more people each day”.
As of Tuesday evening, 361,430 vaccines had been administered (a mix of first and second doses), a daily rise of 16,000.
Image source, Reuters“We’re making real progress on our over 70s, our over 65 to 69-year-olds, and now, importantly, our clinically extremely vulnerable patients,” Mr Swann says.
He says 92% of over 80s have been vaccinated and 80% of 75 to 79-year-olds.
Face coverings “may well become part of our new normal daily life”, the health minister says.
Robin Swann says some restrictions, such as wearing masks in shops or on public transport, could be needed “for a long time to come”.
Image source, PA MediaHowever, he says restrictions and lockdown should not be considered “the same thing”.
“This is not to say that lockdown - or partial lockdown - will roll on indefinitely,” he explains.
“It doesn’t have to be that way.”
Health Minister Robin Swann is at the podium giving an update on the current coronavirus situation.
Some Stormont officials are struggling to cope due to "significant" pressure to deliver Covid-19 support schemes, a top civil servant has warned.
Mike Brennan, from the Department for the Economy, said staff vacancies are currently at about 25%.
He said that had led to officials being overworked while trying to get support packages up and running.
One senior official had to be admitted to hospital on Tuesday night because of pressures, he added.
"That's not unique - I can give you other incidences where staff are under pressure to deliver because the public and political expectation is there," Mr Brennan said.
"There needs to be a recognition that these guys are doing their best as quickly and professionally as possible, and the vacancy rate is not helping."
Read more about Covid pressures here.
BBC News NI
The Department of Health is to receive £190m as part of an allocation of £226.5m Stormont funding.
Finance Minister Conor Murphy said £175m of the health money was to purchase additional personal protective equipment (PPE).
Image source, PA MediaThat will "ensure the continued protection of front-line health workers leading the fight against Covid-19", he explained.
There will also be more than £15.2m of capital allocations which will fund the purchase of medical equipment across cardiology, urology and radiology specialisms, and help procure licenses for digital health technology.
Another four people in Northern Ireland have died with Covid-19, according to Department of Health figures released today.
Welcome to our live coverage of today's Northern Ireland coronavirus press conference.
It features Health Minister Robin Swann and Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride and will be starting shortly.
Please stay with us for all the latest developments from Stormont.