Dr Joe McEvoy of Bayview Medical practtice in Derry. Pic by Freya McClements
Dr Joe McEvoy of Bayview Medical practice says there is “a lot of fear in the community” at the risk of a rise in new cases as lockdown measures are eased.
Health chiefs have already warned that spikes in the virus will happen if people don’t continue to heed the social distancing guidance of two metres and washing their hands regularly to prevent of the spread of COVID-19 back into the community.
“There is feedback to us in the surgery from patients saying that they are worried about what they see, seeing the crowds return and it has caused a certain amount anxiety there,” he told BBC Radio Foyle.
Dr McEvoy says there is balance needed between “people needing to get their business up and running again, versus the dangers of an invisible and unknowable enemy in the virus”.
“It is nearly impossible to know where exactly that balance is going to be.”
There are also fears of a rise in mental health issues, particularly among the elderly and those who had to shield at home for over three months with limited contact with the outside world.
The medical profession is also concerned a second wave of the deadly virus will return in later autumn and into the winter which could put added pressures on hospitals and staff.
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