Family who lost mother to virus ‘dismayed’ at lockdown debate
The Lisburn grandmother was just 58 when she died in the early hours of Sunday morning – one of six deaths reported by the Department of Health the next day.
Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler, her long-time neighbour, said she left behind a partner, daughter and two grandkids.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said they were upset by a backlash against new coronavirus rules – which included protests and pushback from senior ministers – as they navigated the “unimaginable” saying farewell to a loved one in a pandemic.
Mr Butler added: “The prognosis was bad from the very moment she went into hospital.
“They were praying and wishing she would turn around and survive but they were never given much hope.
“They were incredulous and angry at some of the responses to the measures that had to be taken. The family would be fully behind measures.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdNorthern Ireland is a week into a four-week lockdown which has shut down pubs and hairdressers and “extended” half-term break.
Mr Butler has previously criticised those who stoked doubt about the deadliness of Covid, and said “mixed messaging” from some ministers and MLAs was “wearing thin”.
He added: “It’s going to require collective effort and realisation that Covid does – and is – killing people.”
READ MORE FROM THE NEWS LETTER:
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCLICK HERE: Dissident who avoided jail after judge was told he ‘matured’ still vocally backs hardcore republicans
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.
Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOur journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.
Alistair Bushe
Editor