PEOPLE organising outdoor social events are being urged to make sure all lockdown restrictions are observed following a major street party in Derry.
Parties and outdoor bingo sessions were organised in various parts of the city over the weekend.
While proper social distancing was observed at many of the events, there was criticism of a street party in Creggan on Saturday evening.
It attracted a large number of people from outside the immediate area.
Creggan independent councillor Gary Donnelly said while coping with lockdown restrictions is difficult, it is vital that guidelines are adhered to.
“This area has done really well so far; we have some of the lowest numbers of Covid-19. People have worked hard for each other and the area has stepped up to the challenge," he said.
“It would be very unfortunate if we let all that hard work slip now, never mind the sacrifices that are being made by our frontline workers.”
The issue was also raised by Derry community leader Martin Connolly, who said photographs of parties showed people “breaking every rule” and risking lives.
He appealed to anyone organising a street party to think before doing so.
“We are in a good place today because of our actions. Entertainers think about this. There will be a time when we can celebrate and party - please, please help our communities suppress this virus,” he said.
It was revealed yesterday that six people are being treated for Covid-19 at Altnagelvin Hospital after testing positive.
Geraldine McKay, director of acute hospitals with the Western health trust, also revealed there have been 26 deaths from Covid-19 in its two main hospitals since the outbreak began.
While there have also been deaths in care homes, no breakdown has been made public.
Ms McKay added that intensive care units (ICU) at Altnagelvin and Enniskillen have not had to work at full capacity and the public have done everything asked of them.
