Robin Swann: NI Executive to consider imposing fresh coronavirus restrictions

Robin Swann said he was now as worried about the virus as he had been in some time.

“We are in danger of slipping down a very dangerous and slippery slope,” he told a Stormont media briefing.

He said Northern Ireland successfully repelled the “nightmare scenario” in the first wave of Covid-19.

“The threat that stared us in the face back in March is still there but this is not the time to blink,” he said.

Mr Swann said the Stormont Executive would consider some renewed coronavirus restrictions on Thursday.

He said these could include localised measures or region-wide steps.

“The time is coming for the Executive to consider fresh and concrete actions to prevent the further spread of the virus,” he said.

Robin Swann said any localised lockdowns in Northern Ireland would cover council district areas.

He said he did not believe “reckless behaviour” was to blame for the increase in cases, instead pointing to “complacency and fatigue” among the public.

Mr Swann rejected the suggestion that the region had emerged from lockdown too early.

He said a rise in cases was always expected when restrictions eased.

The minister said the Executive had wanted to retain the reproductive number of coronavirus at or below 1.2 as measures eased.

He said the rate had now risen above that target.

Stormont’s chief medical adviser professor Ian Young said there had been a strong and striking increase in Covid-19 transmission since the beginning of July.

“That is something which, if it continues, would cause significant problems for us in the next months,” he said.

Chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said complacency had set in among some people.

“For some, complacency has no doubt set in and there is a belief that the virus was not as bad as we previously thought,” he said.

Dr McBride said the flu vaccine programme was being significantly expanded in Northern Ireland, warning of the increased threat to life if people contracted both flu and Covid-19 at the same time.

He delivered a blunt message to those ignoring coronavirus regulations and guidance.

“Wise up, this is far too important,” he said.