Row over social distancing at wedding reception + Ulster Rugby suspends training

Dear reader

We have already heard this week about the economic impact of the coronavirus impact on Northern Ireland with 100,000 people expected to be out of work by the end of the year.

On Thursday, the latest waiting list figures released by the Department of Health showed the extent of the pressure on other parts of the health service that were effectively halted because of the pandemic. It is staggering that over 90 per cent of people here are waiting longer than the recommended time to see a consultant.

Robin Swann, the health minister, admitted that because of the need to focus on the virus there had been a “virtual lockdown of normal health and social care services”.

The subject of social distancing and following coronavirus guidelines continues to be a big discussion point. A row has broken out over video footage showing wedding goers at a Ballynahnich venue apparently flouting regulations.

A DUP MLA laid some of the blame at the foot of Sinn Fein representatives who themselves broke the guidelines at the Bobby Storey funeral earlier this summer.

The latest published Covid-19 statistics revealed that one more person with Covid-19 in Northern Ireland has died, while 69 new cases have been reported to the Department of Health.

In the past seven days there have been 418 new cases of Covid-19 here.

Take care

Alistair Bushe,

Editor

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