The Chief Medical Officer says there are encouraging signs the country WILL be in a position to start easing the lockdown next week.
Phase one of the government's plan is due to begin on Monday, which includes the resumption of outdoor work and the reopening of some retail stores.
However, a final decision will be made later this week, once updated advice is provided by the National Public Health Emergency Team.
It comes as new figures show there have been 23,242 diagnosed cases of the virus here, while 1,488 people have died.
