People shielding from COVID-19 will be allowed outdoors from today (Monday).
The welcomes news comes as lockdown restrictions are eased across Northern Ireland.
Those vulnerable people who had to shield indoors will now be able spend time outside with people from their own household or one other person from another household – while ensuring social distancing is in effect.
This latest step was announced by the First and Deputy First Ministers, Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill last week.
Those shielding have been unable to leave their homes for almost three months.
Meanwhile, some dental surgeries are preparing to reopen from today (Monday).
According to the Department of Health, urgent cases will be expected to be seen by dentists in their own practices.
The five regional urgent care centres will continue to operate for those patients requiring aerosol generating procedures.