Stormont executive ministers are holding an emergency meeting following a row over whether a travel ban should be introduced.
Health minister Robin Swann has recommended issuing guidance advising against non-essential travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, and Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.
Mr Swann has also advised that anyone arriving into the region self-isolate for 10 days.
It is understood Sinn Fein finance minister Conor Murphy has written to Mr Swann expressing “dismay and astonishment” that he is not moving immediately to instigate a ban on travel between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Mr Murphy called on Mr Swann to reconsider the position he has set out in his paper.
Ministers have debated the possibility of amending the 1967 Public Health Act to introduce short-term travel restrictions.