Celebrate New Year’s Eve at home this year, says Health Minister
In a message issued today Monday, December 28, he urged people to stay at home this week to prevent the spread of the virus.
He said he was asking people to “play their part” by not visiting friends during what was a “crucial period”.
The North of Ireland is into the third day of a six week lockdown, with strict restrictions in place.
Derry and Strabane had been in a previous lockdown since October 5 after a massvie spike in COVID-19 cases.
“We need a huge collective effort against virus,” said Mr Swann as he called on people to reduce their contact with others.
“This will save lives and ease the pressures on our health service at this most challenging time,” he said.
During the first week of the lockdown no gatherings – indoor or outdoor – are permitted between 8 pm and 6 am each day.
The Health Minister said a New Year’s Eve house party “would not just be against the law”.
He added: “It could be a super-spreader event, could leave people very seriously ill and could even cost lives.”
The minister said it was crucial that people adhere to the Covid-19 restrictions this week and throughout the remainder of the lockdown.
“Please stay at home as much as possible.
“Please don’t be tempted to visit friends this week.
“We need a concerted and united push in the next few months to get us to a better place.”
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