Coronavirus daily briefing: Let's not forget the impact on NI businesses

Dear reader,

We continue to hear the tragic stories from across Northern Ireland about people who have lost their lives as a result of Covid-19.

But let’s also not forget the economic consequences of this dreadful pandemic.

Today it was revealed that within the next week, around 80 per cent of Northern Ireland businesses will have had to furlough staff.

Indeed one of Northern Ireland’s best known newsagents, Eugene Diamond in Ballymena, has confirmed that he has had to close his doors until the worst of the pandemic is over.

The latest figures show that Northern Ireland suffered seven deaths connected to coronavirus over the last 24 hours. The UK figures are very sad indeed, with over 900 people having died within the same period.

Away from coronavirus, we were appalled to hear about dissident republicans making threats to a journalist at the Irish News.

We all need to heed the government’s message over the long Easter weekend. Stay at home, save lives and protect the NHS.

Stay safe.

Alistair Bushe

Editor