Up to six people will be able to meet indoors while using social distancing as Northern Ireland quickened the pace of lockdown easing on Monday.

The announcement came after one new case of Covid-19 was recorded by Stormont’s Department of Health since Sunday and no more deaths.

From July 6, vulnerable people who are shielding will be able to meet up to six people outside the home, as long as social distancing is strictly observed, the health department said.

People who are shielding and living alone will be able to form a support bubble from July 6 with one other household.

On Monday the devolved powersharing administration met.

Ministers have cited the low rate of infection spread in permitting further relaxation of the restrictions.

They have been under pressure for weeks to enable freer association to help combat loneliness and enable families to reunite after months of isolation.

Stormont First Minister Arlene Foster said indoor meetings could happen from Tuesday.

She said: “Many of you have been desperate in recent weeks to visit your family and friends inside your homes and you will very much welcome this announcement.”

Earlier this month, they approved the creation of indoor social bubbles involving one person living on their own and another household, without the need for social distancing restrictions.

The suppression of the virus’ spread has prompted Stormont ministers to quicken Northern Ireland’s exit out of lockdown.

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the change was intended to make informal child care possible.

She added: “This will allow that flexibility.

“People are still encouraged to socially distance but clearly when it comes to looking after children there is that inbuilt flexibility and people will use their common sense.”

Traffic wardens were back on the beat on Monday after the lockdown suspension of on-street parking charges was lifted.

From June 26, caravan parks, campsites and self-contained tourist accommodation will be able to reopen.

A week later, on July 3, hotels, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, pubs and bars will be able to welcome customers back.

Church services are set to resume on June 29 while a provisional date for hair salons, barbers and nail bars to reopen has been set for July 6.

Guidance advising people in high-risk categories to shield indoors is to be paused at the end of July.

Stormont ministers have also announced plans for childcare services to start to look after more children over the summer.

They are also seeking to maximise the number of children who can return to school on a full-time basis in the autumn by reducing the social distancing measure for pupils from two metres to one.