Arlene Foster: I regret delays but choice was between a quick and damaging decision or balanced outcome

That is still the case. We cannot simply bounce from one lockdown to another. We cannot turn on and off jobs like a tap. We must take actions which can help us co-exist with this virus. We have sought to make balanced and proportionate decisions, taking into account the need to protect lives and livelihoods. As our Chief Medical Officer reminded us poverty also kills.

When the other Executive Parties, agreed to simply roll on the restrictions for another two weeks without any agreed exit, the DUP Ministers could not agree. Indeed, when I left home on Monday I was expecting to formally agree at the Executive and announce to the Assembly that day how Northern Ireland moved out of the 4 weeks of extra COVID restrictions.

I regret the anxiety and concerns raised over the past four days, but with others walking away from what was agreed, the choice was between a quick but damaging decision, or to strive for a better and balanced outcome.

Close contact businesses that have minimal impact on infections would have remain closed. In hospitality, the greatest concern is how alcohol impacts behaviour, yet no account would have been taken of those businesses who do not serve it.

Neither was it simply an answer of government money. Even the best grant aid delivered quickly cannot provide the support necessary for employers and employees. The simple truth is the best support for any business isn’t a grant but being open and able to trade. The two emerging tools to push back COVID are mass testing and vaccines (when proven safe). They will need resourced to ensure Northern Ireland is in the lead of their delivery not lagging behind.

I am acutely conscious that those most impacted by the continued closure of close contact services and the hospitality industry are predominantly younger people, predominantly women and are in lower-income jobs. It includes many people who rely on overtime shifts at this time of year to help put presents under the Christmas tree.

We must take decisions which are proportionate and balanced to protect life and livelihoods. That balance includes considering the impact poverty has on health outcomes, the impact of restrictions on social isolation and on issues such as domestic violence. It is our duty to offer leadership and hope, including to those most directly impacted by the restrictions of the last four weeks.

To continue with restrictions with no prospect of an end in sight would not only have continued the harms of lockdown but offered no hope to those most in need. It is our duty to ensure those families are represented at the Executive table.

Finally, the greatest tools in our common fight against are the simplest - wear a face covering, keep your distance (2m), clean your hands, practice good respiratory health.

:: Platform by First Minister Arlene Foster

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