Stay at home over Easter plea

The first minister has warned those who flout social distancing rules over the Easter holidays that they should expect police action.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Apr 2020, 23:58 BST
PSNI were conducting a major traffic operation on the main A26 to the north coast on Friday, with all traffic is being stopped and asked for reason to travel. Pic: Steven McAuley/McAuley MultimediaPSNI were conducting a major traffic operation on the main A26 to the north coast on Friday, with all traffic is being stopped and asked for reason to travel. Pic: Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
PSNI were conducting a major traffic operation on the main A26 to the north coast on Friday, with all traffic is being stopped and asked for reason to travel. Pic: Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Arlene Foster joined with Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill and all the other ministers in the powersharing executive in a video message stressing the importance of staying at home to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Police have ramped up patrols across the region, targeting beaches, parks and other popular visitor spots, amid fears a combination of good weather and Easter traditions will tempt people to ignore guidelines about staying apart. Officers have also launched an online portal to allow people to report any breaches they witness.

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The number of people with coronavirus who have died in a hospital setting in Northern Ireland rose to 92 yesterday, with 10 further deaths reported.

NI Executive ministers' Covid-19 video messageNI Executive ministers' Covid-19 video message
NI Executive ministers' Covid-19 video message

There were 112 new cases of the virus, bringing the total of confirmed positive tests in the region since the outbreak began to 1,589.

Mrs Foster said: “Easter is a special time for families and we understand how difficult this year will be for people.

“But this Easter, even though we can’t be together, we can all still do something special. We can help to save lives by staying at home, protecting the most vulnerable, protecting our frontline workers, and protecting our health service.

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“We should remember that the message of Easter is all about hope. We know and trust that these difficult times will pass.

“By staying home this weekend, and the days to come, we will protect each other and our whole community and prevent heartbreak being brought to someone’s door.”

The first minister added: “I would remind people that the PSNI will have a strong presence on the ground over the Easter period and beyond, and they will take action against anyone who is flouting the rules on non-essential travel and social distancing.

“So I urge everyone to please stay at home and don’t go out unless you absolutely have to.”

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Ms O’Neill said: “We are depending on our healthcare staff and other frontline workers to get us through this time of crisis. We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude, and the best way we can show them how much we appreciate what they are doing is by staying at home.

“Easter is normally a time when people come together and spend time with each other. But this isn’t a normal Easter, and if we behave as normal then more people will lose their lives.”

Related topics:Michelle O'NeillArlene FosterPoliceCovid-19Northern IrelandPSNI