'Not good enough' - NI public backlash to way PSNI is policing George Floyd protests

The R-number (the average number of people someone with COVID-19 is likely to infect) is currently between 0.7 and 0.9 but there are concerns that mass gatherings similar to those seen in Belfast city centre in recent days could compound the Northern Ireland Executive's ability to battle COVID-19.

"Leaving your house to protest at the weekend is putting your health and the health of others at risk," said the PSNI on Friday.

"As a society we are fighting a global pandemic.

"Mass gatherings will push back the progress we have made.

"Please follow the NI Executive #COVID19 regulations. #StaySafeSaveLives," the PSNI added.

The mass gatherings and protests in Belfast city centre recently have been organised to send a message of solidarity to people in America protesting the death of African-American man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis in Minnesota on May 25.

Countless photographs and videos of the mass gatherings in Northern Ireland have been shared on social media.

Many of these images and videos show hundreds, if not thousands, of people at the protests.

While some of the protesters are clearly wearing masks there is concern over the lack of social distancing.

The PSNI has been criticised by some people for the way in which the protests have been policed.

"The people who where there should isolate for 14 days," said one man.

"You [PSNI] should stop the protest this weekend if not the lockdown is over and people will do what they want."

A woman said the PSNI was "losing respect" by allowing the protests to proceed.

"The police need to act to address these illegal mass gatherings.

"They are losing more and more respect from the public, posting messages on Facebook after the event has happened is not good enough."