Key Belfast figures say: Keep shopping, keep dining – but do your bit to fight Covid

A trio of key figures in Belfast civic life have issued a call for consumers to keep on shopping and dining in the city – so long as they do their bit to combat Covid.
By Adam Kula
Published 17th Sep 2020, 16:40 BST
Council CEO Suzanne Wylie alongside Colin Neil, Frank McCoubrey & Simon Hamilton, who issued a statement encouraging people to support the city economy todayCouncil CEO Suzanne Wylie alongside Colin Neil, Frank McCoubrey & Simon Hamilton, who issued a statement encouraging people to support the city economy today
Council CEO Suzanne Wylie alongside Colin Neil, Frank McCoubrey & Simon Hamilton, who issued a statement encouraging people to support the city economy today

The Lord Mayor, head of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Province’s leading pub-and-food lobbyist jointly released a statement stressing that “the city centre remains open” today.

It comes just after the government instituted a new mini-lockdown in Belfast (and a handful of other locations in the Province).

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The new rules, which have just become legally-enforceable, prohibit mixing of households in private dwellings (which some exceptions like caring for people or medical visits), and stopping any more than six people gathering in a private garden from no more than two households.

However, these measures apply to homes – people can still visit businesses.

The other affected areas are postcode zones BT28, BT29, BT43 and Ballymena.

Outside the affected areas, and ever since August 24, up to six people from two households can meet indoors in private homes, and up to 15 people can meet up outdoors (but you should maintain social distancing by being at least two metres apart).

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Lord Mayor Frank McCoubrey (DUP) said “we need everyone to do their bit - wear face coverings, wash hands regularly and use hand sanitiser, and remember that social distancing is still crucial”.

Simon Hamilton, ex-DUP minister turned CEO of Belfast Chamber reminded people that “many of the city’s bars and restaurants are now open with businesses working hard to ensure staff and customer safety”.

And Colin Neil, CEO of Hospitality Ulster said when it came to retailers and hospitality firms, “rest assured they are very much open for business”.

He added: “The retail and dining experience may have changed but the enthusiasm of the work force is still alive and well. I’d encourage everyone to support local business and help us revive our local economy.”

READ MORE FROM THIS REPORTER:

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Related topics:MayorBelfastProvinceDUPChamber of CommerceSimon Hamilton