Steve McGookinWelcome to Northern Slant’s weekly round-up of local virus-related items you might have missed. The next update will appear on 15th May. Previous weeks are here:
You might like to read the thoughts of some of our contributors – and perhaps contribute your own – on ‘After The Lockdown – Hopes for Northern Ireland.’
See Also:
How Churches Can Continue To Function During Lockdown – May 6
The Impact of Covid-19 On Farming And Food Production – May 5
Lessons On The Environment From Responses To Coronavirus – April 21
A Universal Basic Income Will Help Renew Society – April 16
In Pivotal Week, Virus Leaves Politics In Disarray – April 10
China’s Tyrannical Hubris – April 6
And read a first-person account by NS contributor Callum McNeill here:
Escaping The Coronavirus – February 9
Restrictions to stay in place
First Minister Arlene Foster said on Friday that any changes to the existing lockdown measures would be “nuanced” within the current three-week extension, which began on Thursday. Ahead of the Prime Minister’s statement on Sunday, she told the BBC that while public health is the priority, “we do have to look at the economic damage that is being done to our country and the societal damage and the wider health issues,” and said “minor amendments” may be possible.
Her remarks came as figures showed five more Covid-19 fatalities, bringing the total in Northern Ireland to 427. Meanwhile the Executive continues to wrestle with the dilemma between medical advice and a clear message to business and the public about any relaxation of the restrictions.
The PSNI said that traffic volume had been increasing recently and warned against complacency over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Mixed picture for local business
Other virus news items this week:
and, while not virus-related, a cool shot from Friday…
Calls for hope & calls to action
Northern Slant aims to highlight some of the good news stories happening all around us. We’ll also show how communities are responding to the crisis, sharing details of how you might be able to get involved yourself.
Calls for Hope
Calls to Action
Information and Resources
Keep up with the latest updates from the Northern Ireland Department of Health here
And from Belfast City Council here
Have a good weekend.