Mandatory vaccine passports are to be introduced in the North after Stormont ministers backed the move despite DUP opposition.
The other four Executive parties backed a proposal from Health Minister Robin Swann that will see legal enforcement of Covid-19 certification entry requirements for nightclubs, bars, restaurants and a range of other settings from December 13th.
Mr Swann is also now set to draw up a package of others measures to help increase compliance with current coronavirus rules and guidance and drive up vaccination rates.
While the four DUP ministers voted against the vaccine passport proposal, the party did not deploy a cross-community voting mechanism that could have blocked the introduction of certification in the region.
However, the DUP has called for a vote in the Assembly before the policy is introduced.
Previous Executive decisions on Covid-19 rules, including lockdowns, have been subject to retrospective votes in the chamber, usually weeks after the measures have been rolled out.
Under Mr Swann’s plan, people wishing to gain entry to designated venues would need to demonstrate evidence of Covid-19 vaccination, a negative lateral flow test result, or proof of a coronavirus infection within the previous six months.
Covid certification will be used to gain entry to nightclubs, hospitality premises that serve food and/or drink, cinemas, theatres and conferences halls.
It will also be needed to access indoor events with 500 or more attendees where some or all of the audience is not normally seated.
Certificates would be required for outdoor events with 4,000 or more attendees where some or all of the audience is not normally seated.
They would also be mandatory at all events of 10,000 or more attendees whether the audience is seated or not.
Mr Swann wants the regulations needed for the law change come into effect on November 29th, with a 14-day grace period prior to becoming enforceable on December 13th.
Non-compliant venues could be hit with a £1,000 fine.
The Health Minister said he was trying to avoid the need for more severe restrictions later in the winter.
“Our Covid numbers are too high and we need to forcibly push them down,” he said. “Our health and social care system is under severe stress. We have to act.”
Mr Swann’s proposals come amid escalating pressures on the region’s beleaguered health system.
Covid-19 transmission rates have soared in recent weeks, particularly among young people.