Martina Anderson says people of Derry have saved lives by adhering to COVID-19 restrictions

The Foyle MLA, speaking in the Assembly on Tuesday, said: “We need to continue with the restrictions in order to break the chains of transmission.

“I commend all those in places like my home town, Derry, who continue to abide by the public health advice and adhere to the restrictions.

“They have kept the death toll down.

“Without doubt, a small number all over the North are ignoring the restrictions. They put others in danger. My appeal to all of them is, ‘Please stop it. Stop it’.”

The local MLA said that this was a trying time for front-line workers.

“They put themselves in harm every day in every way. The best way in which we can show our appreciation is staying at home and respecting the restrictions. It is, however, not the only way we can show our appreciation.

“This deadly virus has infected every level of society, regardless of age or sex, but the evidence shows a stark reality: we are not all in this together. Low-paid workers such as bus drivers, nurses, agency workers, domiciliary care workers and shelf-stackers are those most likely to become infected, because they are more exposed.

“The pandemic has shown that many of the lowest-paid workers are society’s key workers. They are our front line in responding to the deadly pandemic,” remarked Ms. Anderson.

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