Church leaders join Mayor in call for people to do their bit to reduce virus spread

THE leaders of the four main churches in Derry and Strabane have joined with the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council to encourage people across the region to do their bit to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

On Friday, the Department of Health revealed that in the last 24 hours there had been 934 positive cases from Coronavirus across the North of Ireland – with 201 of those in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

Expressing concern at the increasing rate of positive cases, the Church Leaders said the people of Derry and Strabane had the power to make a real difference and prevent a second wave.

They urged everyone to comply with the regulations by following the government guidelines around regular hand washing, maintaining social distancing, wearing face coverings, and, where possible, reducing social interaction.

The Church leaders praised the community spirit and goodwill of the people of Derry and Strabane in the way they dealt with the lockdown in the spring.

They said it was important we worked together again, now, to prevent any further increase in cases and to protect our health service.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council praised the leadership role played by the Churches throughout the pandemic.

And Mayor Tierney thanked them for their continued support in reinforcing the public health messaging within their parishes and communities.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council

Cllr Brian Tierney

Rev. Donal McKeown

Bishop of Derry

Rt. Rev Andrew Forster

Bishop of Derry and Raphoe

Rev Tommy Bruce

Moderator of Derry & Donegal Presbytery

Rev Richard Johnston

Superintendent North West Methodist Mission

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