The Northern Ireland Executive has announced new restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic including the closure of schools for two weeks from Friday.

The closure extends the half term holiday to two weeks from 19 October until Monday 2 November, when it will be reviewed. It includes primary and secondary mainstream and SEN schools as well as preschools and statutory nurseries.

Further restrictions to pubs, restaurants and unnecessary travel were also announced by First Minister Arlene Foster.

It follows warnings from health officials in Northern Ireland that Coronavirus infections would rise if hospitality and schools remained open.