Derry MLA concerned about pedestrian congestion and risk of COVID-19 transmission along the quay and Peace Bridge

SDLP MLA Sinéad McLaughlin insisted that exercise is important especially during the restrictions but insisted it must be conducted safely.

"It is essential for our physical and mental health. But it is also essential that we do so safely. So I ask people to think carefully about the best ways of exercising to avoid close contact with others," she said.

Mrs. McLaughlin said the cityside quays and Peace Bridge have been particularly busy recently and suggested walkers might consider wearing masks when taking the air in these areas.

She said: "We must all be careful about our distance from other people. This is currently very difficult in areas of the riverside walk on Derry's cityside and on the Peace Bridge. Please consider other walking routes for exercise, including the riverside walk on the Waterside and 'the line' beyond Craigavon Bridge on the cityside. In some situations, it may be appropriate to wear a mask while out walking to reduce Covid transmission risk.

"I am writing today to both Derry City and Strabane District Council and to the Department for Infrastructure to ask them to urgently consider ways in which the existing walkways by the river can be widened to reduce congestion and the risks of transmission."

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