Stormont ministers have agreed to end social distancing restrictions for shops, theatres and a number of other indoor settings in Northern Ireland.

At a meeting on Monday evening, ministers decided to remove the one-metre distance requirement for the retail sector, indoor attractions and seated indoor venues.

Ministers agreed to beef up guidance for business and venue owners to mitigate the impact of allowing a return to full capacity.

First Minister Paul Givan tweeted: “Progress [has been] made after a constructive meeting of the Executive to remove social distancing requirements for indoor seated venues, indoor visitor attractions and retail settings.

“Guidance will be provided for measures that can be taken to mitigate [Covid] risk.”

The measures are to take effect from 6pm on Thursday, with further consideration to be given to the hospitality sector on Thursday, October 7.

The Executive added that despite the social distancing requirement being removed, “We would ask people to keep close face-to-face contact to a minimum at all times”.

An Executive statement said: “With furlough due to end in a few days, we are very aware of the financial burden on businesses that aren’t yet able to operate at full capacity due to the current social distancing restrictions, and the very real concerns of those people whose jobs are at risk.

“The Executive has considered the existing regulations and has agreed to remove the legal requirement to socially distance in retail and indoor visitor attractions.

“We ask that those responsible for these venues, and those attending them, continue to utilise all other available mitigations such as hand sanitising, good ventilation, and using one-way systems, where possible.

“The wearing of a face covering remains a legal requirement in these settings.

“The Executive has also decided to remove the requirement to socially distance in indoor seated venues such as theatres, concert halls and cinemas.”

In regard to indoor seated venues, ministers will issue additional guidance to venues advising that they introduce entry policies that require proof of either Covid-19 vaccination, a negative lateral flow test, or evidence of a positive PCR test within the previous six months.

The potential for Stormont to introduce mandatory Covid passports for access to venues was not decided at Monday’s virtual meeting, but is expected to feature heavily at meetings next week.

While authorities in England have shelved plans for vaccine passports, the administrations in Scotland and Wales are introducing schemes next month.