Derry MLAs agree COVID-19 restrictions saved lives but warn we are not 'out of the woods'

Local Assembly members from Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the DUP concurred that the imposition of the restrictions had saved lives over the past several weeks.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (Amendment No. 8) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 came into effect in Derry at midnight on Monday, October 5, when the seven day case rate for COVID-19 was 533.6 per 100,000 - one of the highest infection rates in Europe.

Yesterday when the matter was discussed in the Assembly under Executive Committee Business the rate had fallen to 260.2 per 100,000.

Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson said: "There is no doubt that the rate of COVID transmission in Derry and Strabane was alarming. It was out of control. The regulations that are before us today were vital in bringing the rate of transmission of the virus down.

"I acknowledge the people of Derry and Strabane, because when the restrictions were introduced, I said that I had confidence that our people would do what needed to be done.

"They responded and reacted in such a manner that meant that they curtailed the transmission of the disease. We were reminded that, if we needed to be, when the restrictions were introduced that we are the people who carry the virus and that, therefore, we are the people who transmit it to one another."

Ms. Anderson pointed to the massive reduction in the second wave infection rate from its peak of 991.6 per 100,000 on October 14 to yesterday.

"Thankfully, as I stand here today, the good news to report is that, five weeks after the restrictions were introduced, there has been a 70% reduction in COVID infections in Derry and Strabane. That shows that the restrictions worked.

"The restrictions are draconian. Who wants to introduce them? There is not one person in the Chamber who wants people's civil liberties or rights taken away. However, when you hear how we were back then and think about where we are now, it is very clear that it has worked."

DUP MLA Gary Middleon said amendment No. 8 of the legislation which imposed restrictions on Derry at the start of last month was clearly justified on the basis of the high levels of COVID-19 the district.

"The context at the time was that the infection rate in our area was several times higher than the Northern Ireland average and, at one point, was the highest in the United Kingdom.

"There was broad recognition, therefore, that the status quo could not continue and that something had to be done. At that time, while it was disappointing that it had to be done, the Executive were right to step in and take action.

"Thankfully, today — we have heard some of the news reports and some of the data that has been talked about — we have seen a 70% reduction in the infection rate. That was down to the fact that communities and businesses rallied and listened to that message.

"We can debate which specific restrictions did and did not work, but the fact is that the infection rate came down, and that was the ultimate goal. We need to ensure that we continue to go in that direction."

SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin said she supported the regulations but not the process in which they were imposed.

"First, I recognise that COVID-19 has, sadly, claimed over 1,000 lives locally, left many others with debilitating conditions and put our healthcare workers under immense stress.

"Therefore, and given the high rate of community transmission, it was undoubtedly necessary to act quickly to implement the new measures. However, while I appreciate the unique situation that we find ourselves in, it is unacceptable that we are debating these restrictions in the Chamber just days before they are due to expire.

"We are denied the opportunity to give them due scrutiny, which reduces the chances of accountability and risks eroding the public's trust. We depend on that trust to get us through this pandemic. If the public do not trust us and our decisions, they are much less likely to heed the restrictions, which would render them totally ineffective and useless. These restrictions have had a huge impact on individuals, and they deserve proper scrutiny."

Both Ms. Anderson and Mrs. McLaughlin, however, warned against complacency and said the health service needed extra support at this critical time.

Mrs. McLaughlin said: "We have seen that the restrictions on activities in Derry and Strabane have worked. The transmission rate has fallen, as colleagues said, by 70% as a result of the recent restrictions, but we are not out of the woods yet. In Derry, Altnagelvin hospital had 16 COVID-positive admissions this weekend. That is a significantly high number. So, whilst the restrictions are improving things in my city and region, we are certainly not out of the woods yet."

Ms. Anderson said: "Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry needs additional support to stop it getting to the point of being overwhelmed every time that the R rate rises.

"Despite the news today that the rate of community transmission of COVID is down by 70%, Altnagelvin's COVID surge plan remains on red alert. That is still its status as of today.

"When the restrictions were introduced, Altnagelvin Hospital repurposed ward 21, which is a vital, state-of-the-art, recently opened and much-needed orthopaedic service. The waiting time for a hip replacement or any other orthopaedic surgery is alarming. I have raised in the Chamber the example of one constituent who has been waiting for five years. That is just not acceptable."