Athletes classed as elite include Olympians, Paralympians, professional rugby and football players and cricketers.

During Thursday’s daily briefing it was indicated that, should the virus remain controlled, indoor gyms can open from 10 July, with leisure centres welcoming the public back from 7 August.

Sport’s welcome return

All competitive sport in Northern Ireland has been suspended since the middle of March, with the three-month hiatus bringing competition to a standstill.

Pressure has been building on the Executive to accelerate the return of sport, given the Republic of Ireland’s decision to allow all sport to resume from 29 June.

It has been feared that the Republic’s move could leave teams in the north, who play in cross-border competitions, at a distinct disadvantage when matches begin again.

Ulster Rugby will return to training on Monday before competitive action resumes in late August.

The province’s players and staff will undergo Covid-19 testing provided by the IRFU this week, with Leinster and Munster already back in training.

Meanwhile the GAA has already revealed its roadmap which will begin with club championships before inter-county football takes centre-stage from October.

The return to action will come too late for the Irish Premiership, which was officially curtailed earlier this week, with the final standings to be decided by a mathematical formula.