Stormont ministers have sought legal advice on making the wearing of face coverings compulsory on public transport in Northern Ireland.
Speaking at today's Executive briefing Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said legal advice should be available on Thursday July 2.
First Minister Arlene Foster said she wanted to introduce it in a way that is proportionate.
"We don't want to criminalise people because many people will not be able to wear masks because of medical issues" Ms Foster said.
"It is important that we don't rush into things just for the sake of it.
"People expect us to do that as government ministers."
The wearing of a face covering on public transport is mandatory in the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and England.
People in Wales are asked to wear a three-layer face covering on public transport but the devolved goverment stopped short of making it mandatory.
