Health minister Robin Swann has give his strongest indication yet that further lockdown measures are to be introduced, following an increase in positive cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.
It came as 34 new coronavirus cases were confirmed yesterday by the Department of Health.
The number of people who have died according to the department's statistics remains at 559.
Mr Swann said he will be making recommendations to help "arrest" the spread when executive ministers meet later today.
"We cannot put our finger on any specific, either location, or activity or industry as to a cause of the number of increases and positive tests we have seen," he said.
It is believed this may once again mean reducing the number of people who can meet in a household.
It could also mean tougher rules in terms of how the hospitality industry is currently operating, regarding social distancing and reduced opening hours.
Earlier this week the Republic's government introduced tougher measures to reduce both indoor and outdoor gatherings.
Chief Scientific Officer Professor Ian Young has also now said Northern Ireland has a higher rate per 100,000 of the population than the rest of the UK.
"Looking at the numbers of cases we currently have ... at the beginning of July it was three or four cases a day, that's risen to the point were it's 40/45 cases a day", he said.
"It was inevitable as we began to open up society and allow people to mix together in larger numbers, particularly in indoor settings, that there would be some more infections.
"We are concerned that people aren't being as careful as they could be.
"Evidence suggests that's probably particularly the case when it comes it to younger people", Prof Young added.
In relation to schools opening Prof Young said "we know children are less likely to get the virus" but added that they could spread the virus and could be associated with some increase in infection.
It comes as the Department of Education confirmed school bus services will resume from next week.
Limited services will run from Monday, with priority given to pupils in Years 7, 12 and 14.
Normal bus services will resume from September 1, when all pupils are expected to return to school across Northern Ireland.
Jury trials have also recommenced this week for the first time since lockdown.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Jury trials are one of the cornerstones of our justice system and it is a hugely significant step that we are now in a position to accommodate them again.
“I recognise this will have been hugely frustrating and distressing for those who have been awaiting the outcome of cases. I want to reassure those impacted that everything possible has been done to get jury trials up and running in the safest and most efficient way possible.”
In the Republic there were two further deaths and 54 new cases of Covid-19 reported. There have been 1,775 Covid-19 related deaths to date and 27,547 cases.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said: "We need everyone to reduce the number of people they meet over the next three weeks to save lives and suppress this virus".
In Scotland there was one further death bringing the total to date to 2,492 and 50 new cases diagnosed.
In Wales there were no further deaths and 21 new cases reported, to date 1,589 people have died of coronavirus in the country.
In England there were 707 new cases diagnosed and 15 new deaths. So far 36,757 have died from Covid-19 in England.
