Mayor Michaela Boyle urges parents to look after their children after groups gather at Brandywell and Waterside amid COVID-19 emergency

She said parents should know their children's whereabouts after access was gained to pitches at a number of venues.

Gatherings were reported at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, the Foyle Arena and in Kilfennan.

"I would like to appeal to parents and guardians to ensure children in their care are not accessing Council's grass and artificial pitches which are closed to the public," she said.

"Unfortunately there have been a number of cases of groups gathering to play on these surfaces in recent days, often gaining access by climbing high walls and fences, which poses obvious dangers.

"I appreciate that it can be difficult to remain at home for long periods, particularly as the weather has improved in recent days but I would appeal directly to our young people not to congregate and to limit your physical activity to a walk, run or cycle with members of your household once a day."

The Mayor went on to remind the wider public of the need to stay at home and away from others from outside their household, including friends and family.

"The coming days and weeks will see the anticipated peak of cases of Covid 19 locally so I would urge you to protect the NHS and save lives by doing everything asked of you to reduce the spread of this highly contagious virus.

"When we reduce and eliminate our day to day contact with people, we will reduce the spread of the infection.

"That is why now more than ever it is imperative that we remain in our homes unless shopping for basic necessities, taking one form of exercise a day with members of your household or travelling to work in essential front line services where it is not possible to work from home.

"If you are outside your home, exercise social distancing by making sure you are two metres apart from anyone outside your household, when you are home, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face."

The public are reminded that all Council owned leisure centres remain closed until further notice, anyone who has any queries regarding leisure membership should contact – [email protected]

All Council owned play parks, pitches and sports pavilions remain closed, however public parks and open spaces currently remain open to allow the public to exercise only.

For updates, advice and guidance on the virus visit www.derrystrabane.com/coronavirus.

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