Stormont Executive to discuss easing of pandemic rules around hugging

Shoppers in Belfast with shops reopening and hospitality is able to open outdoors in Northern Ireland where lockdown restrictions have begun to gradually ease (Mark Marlow/PA)

The Stormont Executive is set to discuss the possibility of easing pandemic rules around hugging, the First Minister has said.

Arlene Foster said ministers have noted developments in the rest of the UK after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people in England would be able to hug each other “with caution” from May 17.