The country is experiencing a sharp increase in cases.

Schools and pubs are set to close in Northern Ireland amid new Covid-19 restrictions. Pubs and restaurants will operate a takeaway only service from Friday for four weeks, and schools will close from Monday for two weeks, BBC News NI reports.  The move comes amid rising Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland and will be reviewed following a four and two week period respectively. New restrictions will include the closing of the hospitality sector apart from takeaways and deliveries, no selling of alcohol past 8pm, takeaways to close at 11pm, and no mixing of households unless part of a social bubble. Hairdressers and makeup artists will also banned from working in clients' homes, and outdoor gatherings will be limited to six people from two households. Retail outlets and places of worship are expected to stay open. Yesterday, Northern Ireland recorded 863 new cases of Covid-19 and seven deaths. The country has recorded over one quarter of its total cases since March in the past seven days. In Ireland, the National Public Health Emergency Team has asked the public to work together to avoid further restrictions. Currently, the entire country is under Level 3 restrictions. These new restrictions for Northern Ireland are expected to be announced this morning.