Northern Ireland's two-week coronavirus lockdown has come to an end - just in time for Christmas shoppers to hit the high street.
Shops, restaurants, gyms and churches can now reopen after strict measures lifted at midnight on Thursday.
Families and friends can venture out to restaurants and gastropubs, while hairdressers, barbers and beauticians can reopen their doors as the festive season gets under way.
The government and devolved administrations have agreed a temporary easing of restrictions, allowing three households to mix in a bubble from 23 to 27 December.
People travelling into Northern Ireland to form a bubble can do so between 22 and 28 December under the rules.
Those hoping to form a new bubble for Christmas should already have ended contact with their old bubble so they can safely gather over the period.
On Wednesday, Northern Ireland's health minister Robin Swann warned at a news conference that the next wave of COVID-19 could be the worst yet.
He said the rollout of the vaccine was a welcome development but it could lead to a slipping of compliance with coronavirus restrictions.
He continued: "We must not that let happen because we cannot let that happen.
"This pandemic is far from finished.
"I am still very concerned that the next surge in infections could be the most aggressive yet."
Addressing a Stormont media briefing, Mr Swann said the development of an effective vaccination meant the finishing line in the battle against coronavirus was in sight.
"Now is not the time to stumble," he added.
Meanwhile, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also announced this week that 11 council areas subject to the highest tier of restriction, Level 4, will all move to lower levels today.
The areas being placed in Level 3 later this week are East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire, and West Lothian.
Non-essential shops there were able to reopen from 6am, and the rest of the changes will come into effect from 6pm.
Hospitality businesses in Level 3 must close their doors by 6pm, meaning the new Level 3 areas will have to wait until Saturday to welcome back customers for food and non-alcoholic drinks.
In total, 16 areas of Scotland are to have restrictions eased, while another 16 will remain in the same tier as they are currently in.
