Anyone who requires treatment and is able to make their way to hospital A&E is asked to do so.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service says it is experiencing pressure due to the number of staff unable to work as a result of COVID-19.
Earlier it refuted online rumours circulating about “tents” being “erected at hospital sites to deal with patients.”
The Ulster Hospital in Dundonald has warned: “If your condition is not life threatening you will have to wait a very long time” as it deals with extreme pressure.
On Thursday, three more COVID-19 related deaths were recorded along with 4,701 new cases.
Following a meeting of the NI Executive, no further restrictions have been introduced.
— NIAS (@NIAS999) December 30, 2021