Alliance health chief: A second shutdown of Northern Ireland would hurt us even more than first

Most people have welcomed the opportunity over the summer to resume social contact and social events, to re-open businesses, and to provide services face-to-face.
By Paula Bradshaw
Published 25th Aug 2020, 10:39 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2020, 14:24 BST
PACEMAKER BELFAST - 23/03/2020 Belfast City centre on Tuesday with most businesses closed due to the coronavirusPACEMAKER BELFAST - 23/03/2020 Belfast City centre on Tuesday with most businesses closed due to the coronavirus
PACEMAKER BELFAST - 23/03/2020 Belfast City centre on Tuesday with most businesses closed due to the coronavirus

With this opening up however comes an increased risk of the spread of coronavirus, particularly among younger people as they are out and about, and it is vital we do not underestimate the potential damage of such spread.

Firstly, we should make no mistake spread of the virus among younger people, who are generally less susceptible to COVID-19, will ultimately lead to the spread across the entire population, including those who are clinically vulnerable. It is therefore incumbent on young people to do all they can to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus, to ensure it does not get transmitted to those who are most at risk from it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Secondly, however, we are also too inclined to believe the only outcome from getting COVID-19 is recovery or death. In fact, there is increasing evidence globally of people suffering long-term complications as a result of the disease, including lung disease, chronic fatigue and neurological issues.

Paula BradshawPaula Bradshaw
Paula Bradshaw

Everyone needs to be clear this virus is to be avoided, not just because we do not wish to infect others but because we do not wish to risk the potential long-term complications ourselves.

Therefore, while we welcome the fact the number of hospitalisations currently remains low, the rising number of confirmed cases means hospitalisations are an inevitable consequence. On top of this, there is the serious risk of a rising number of people ending up with long-term complications.

Another close down of the health service, the education system, and the economy would cause much greater damage even than the first, so it is not a policy option anyone wishes to contemplate. However, as we head into the winter, we do need to consider what we can do to ensure transmission of the virus slows once again – not just in others’ interests, but also in our own.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

– Paula Bradshaw is Alliance health spokeswoman and a South Belfast MLA

Ramore restaurant row: Stephen Nolan wonders if health workers effectively banned from all restaurants

EARLIER THIS SUMMER: Gerry Adams declares Bobby Storey a ‘selfless’ and ‘gentle’ man as large crowd gathers for funeral

________________________

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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.

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.

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:Northern IrelandCovid-19Stephen Nolan