Any new local lockdowns must factor in low COVID rate, says Derry Chamber of Commerce President Redmond McFadden

Redmond McFadden, Chamber President, made the comments as the Executive agreed to step up restrictions in response to coronavirus spikes in the east.

Mr. McFadden said: “Thankfully, it appears that the North West is doing well in its fight against COVID-19 and people have been largely compliant with social distancing and mask wearing - but we are still reminding everyone to stay vigilant and not become complacent.

“The rate of infection remains very low across the Derry and Strabane council area and people deserve praise for their efforts in helping suppress the virus locally. Any potential introduction of localised lockdowns must take this into account and only be targeted at areas where the infection rate is high or rising.”

Yesterday it was confirmed there have been 10 new cases of coronavirus in Derry and Strabane in the past week, taking the total number to 244 since the pandemic began - the second lowest tally in the north. By contrast there were 79 new cases in Mid and East Antrim; 77 in Belfast; 35 in Antrim and Newtownabbey; 27 in Causeway Coast and Glens; 23 in Newry, Mourne and Down; and 20 in Lisburn and Castlereagh.

Derry and Strabane accounted for 3.3 per cent of 298 new cases recorded in the north between August 13 and August 20.

The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 has remained consistently low in Derry and Strabane for some time despite the easing of lockdown in June and July.

One patient, aged 60-79, was admitted to Altnagelvin having tested positive for the virus last week, but they were discharged within three days.

Tragically there have, of course, been 29 COVID-related deaths registered in Derry and Strabane, with 28 of those registered up to the end of May and a further one death registered in early July.

Vigilance and strict adherence to the public health guidance around social distancing and face coverings remain critical but restrictions on trade should be avoided, according to Mr. McFadden.

“Businesses across the North West have invested a great deal of money, time, and energy to be able to safely reopen over the past number of weeks.

“Any unnecessary restrictions or impediments to the way they do business now could be catastrophic and severely damage consumer confidence.

“With any new restrictions needs to come Executive support and funding to help businesses through another period of upheaval to their trading.

“We’ve already seen in the Republic of Ireland this week confusion and contradictions over new restrictions.

“Any new restrictions announced by the Executive here need to be consistent, fair, and clearly communicated to the public to ensure that there is community buy-in.

“We can’t risk any confusion over what is allowed and what isn’t,” Mr McFadden said.