SDLP social justice spokesperson, Mark H Durkan has called for a cross-departmental response to the Coronavirus/ COVID-19 outbreak in order to protect the most vulnerable, in particular the elderly, both in regards to health and detrimental financial impact.
Mr Durkan has called upon the Executive to mirror protections announced by Westminster.
Said the Foyle MLA: “We are duty bound to take people’s health seriously and what can be done to prolong the containment stage here is being done.
“However, we need to be looking at the wider financial impact this outbreak could potentially have within our communities.
“The regrettable but necessary decision to cancel St Patrick’s Day parades here and the fact that the North relies heavily on the tourism industry, this will undoubtedly have a knock on effect on the economy here.
“We need protections both economically and most importantly to ensure that people here do not suffer financial hardship as a result.
“The SDLP recognise the need to mitigate against the far reaching implications of the Coronavirus.
“This is not only a public health issue but it is a business issue, an economic issue and welfare issue too.
“There will be a significant loss to local businesses and the SDLP has called upon the Finance Minister to put in place a liquidity package for local businesses.
“We also call on the Chancellor to take seriously our calls to introduce a temporary reduction in Tourism VAT in the budget to support the sector during this period.”
He added: “However, my biggest concern is with those vulnerable and elderly people that have no money to fall back on, those individuals and families already relying on food banks – considering that stockpiling is happening at the minute.
“I have also asked the Minister for Communities what measures her department is taken; including whether those forced onto Universal Credit as a result of self-isolation, can bypass the five week waiting period for initial payment.
“I appreciate this outbreak is unprecedented but precautionary action taken now is critical to ensure damage limitation.
“This requires a coordinated response across all departments to implement measures to help withstand the impact of Coronavirus as it inevitably progresses in coming weeks.
“It now falls to the Executive to design and deliver contingency plans similar to those announced at Westminster, to safeguard the most vulnerable and allow us all to get through this with as little risk and disruption as possible.”
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