Northern Ireland

Coronavirus: 'Complacency could lead to further deaths', Public Health Agency warns

Hundreds of people have gathered in Crawfordsburn, Co Down, during the good weather
Hundreds of people have gathered in Crawfordsburn, Co Down, during the good weather Hundreds of people have gathered in Crawfordsburn, Co Down, during the good weather
By Claire Simpson

People who do not stick to social distancing rules are putting the elderly and vulnerable at risk, the Public Health Agency has warned.

Concerns have been raised that some people are not sticking to the guidelines after thousands of day-trippers flocked to seaside resorts, including Crawfordsburn in Co Down, on Monday.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) today warned that complacency around coronavirus could lead to further deaths.

[ READ MORE: Crawfordsburn lockdown row: 'People were defecating in gardens' ]

Dr Gerry Waldron, head of health protection at the PHA, said levels of the disease have dropped due to most people sticking to the guidelines. 

"However, we cannot let this create a false sense of security and let our guard drop, as this could undermine and reverse everyone’s hard work to date," he said.

According to the most recent figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra), 716 people have died from coronavirus in the north up to May 22.

Dr Waldron said people must continue to stick to the two-metre distance guidelines.

“As we move forward, it is important to remember the general guidance that has existed since the virus emerged here – maintain social distancing, keep surfaces clean, self-isolate when required, wash your hands regularly, and catch it, bin it, kill it. These may seem simple, but they are effective in reducing the spread," he said.

“We also should think about those in our society who are more vulnerable, such as older people or those with underlying conditions. Unsafe behaviour in areas where these people go for exercise or spend time could not only put them at risk, but will also cause unnecessary stress."

More than 700 people have died from coronavirus in Northern Ireland
More than 700 people have died from coronavirus in Northern Ireland More than 700 people have died from coronavirus in Northern Ireland

He urged people not to 'go solo' and ignore the guidelines.

“Throughout this pandemic, we have all been in this together," he said.

"We need to maintain this spirit, as going solo and undertaking unsafe behaviour will put not only those in our immediate company at risk, but it could also lead to further spread of the virus, which would have an impact on others we know and love.

“I am urging people to think twice before they do anything that could put them or others at risk.”