Robin Swann’s warning over danger of ‘super spreader’ gatherings

Mr Swann said a “huge collective effort” is needed between now and the end of the latest six-week lockdown period.

“A New Year’s Eve house party would not just be against the law – it could be a super-spreader event, could leave people very seriously ill and could even cost lives,” he said.

Additional lockdown measures are in place for the first week of the restriction, including the closure of all non-essential retail from 8pm until 8am ending on January 2.

“We need another huge collective effort across society to push down Covid infection rates,” Mr Swann said.

“Please don’t be tempted to visit friends this week. It’s not just about complying with the regulations, it’s about keeping yourself and others safe.”

“We do that by reducing our contacts with others, by staying at home, by keeping our distance from others if we need to be outdoors for good reason, and by wearing a face covering and washing our hands.

“This will save lives and ease the pressures on our health service at this most challenging time.”

The minister said he appreciates the level of public weariness after what he called a tough 2020, but said the rolling out of the new vaccine gives renewed hope of an end to the pandemic.

“I know how tough 2020 has been and how fed up we all are with this virus.

“But I am confident we can all pull together once again at this critical time,” he said.

“2021 is a year of renewed hope with the vaccine roll-out. We need a concerted and united push in the next few months to get us to a better place.”

Health officials in other UK regions are already experiencing severe pressures as Covid infection rates rise.

The Royal Colleges in Scotland have warned of a “perfect storm of challenges” – as the pandemic means hospitals are already working at near capacity.

In Cardiff, an urgent plea was made for trained specialists to help out at the University Hospital of Wales after its intensive care unit reached full capacity in recent days.

In Manchester, two teenagers have been fined £1,000 each and a man arrested after police were called to a rave that breached the Covid regulations.

Officers were called to empty flats in the Shudehill area in the early hours of Sunday morning after reports of a large gathering and loud music.

Police said they dispersed around 100 people and seized music equipment.

The two teenage males, aged 17 and 18, were each given the £1,000 penalty notice, while a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence.

READ: NI Covid cases remain stubbornly high

READ: Mutant strain of virus already in NI

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