NI R-number on the rise - PSNI increase patrols ahead of 'very warm' weekend weather

It was revealed by First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill on Thursday that the R-number had started to increase again - the R-number is currently just below one in Northern Ireland.

As a direct response to the potential danger of a consistent increase in the R-number PSNI Assistant Chief Constable, Alan Todd, appealed to members of the public to enjoy the pleasant weather responsibly and to adhere to social distancing measures.

“I understand that as time goes on, and with the current spell of good weather, some people may be tempted to get out and about and make the most of the sunshine.

“However, as a police service, our key role is to support our public health colleagues and the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure we all play our part in stopping the spread of the virus and help save lives.

"The latest data available shows that the ‘R-number’, which was flattening/falling, has actually increased again as restrictions have been eased.

"This means that every one of us needs to make informed and sensible decisions about our conduct over the coming days to ensure that we are protecting our own health and the health of others."

Assistant Chief Constable Todd went on to urge the public not to drive to local beauty spots and reaffirmed how it was everyone's duty to do what they could to slow down the spread of the virus.

“Over the weekend we will be increasing our patrols, particularly around beauty spots, resorts and transport hubs, focusing on the issues of crowds gathering in breach of Regulation Six of the Health Protection Regulations, alcohol consumption in designated public places and road safety - particularly speeding and drink driving.

“We will continue to engage, explain and encourage people to make the right choices and we will enforce when necessary.

“The public should be well aware of the advice from our public health partners and the government about social distancing and movement and, on that basis, we would encourage people not to drive to local beauty spots or popular destinations for their daily exercise as others may have the same idea and social distancing may not be achievable.

“Each and every one of us has a personal responsibility to follow the NI Executive regulations and do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid-19.”

Meanwhile, the Met Office weather forecast for Northern Ireland this weekend is for "very warm" temperatures.

Friday:

"A fine, very warm and sunny evening across all areas.

"Then staying dry overnight with clear skies.

"Staying very mild where the breeze holds up, cooling off more in rural shelter. Minimum temperature 10°C," reads the forecast on the official Met Office website.

Saturday:

"Staying dry and warm or very warm with good spells of sunshine.

"However, still cooler around the Irish Sea coast with onshore winds. Maximum temperature 24°C."

Sunday to Monday

"Staying dry and sunny on Sunday and Monday, still very warm but slightly less so.

"Probably turning cloudier with rain or showers on Tuesday."

--

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 Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five 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.

Our 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.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor