Council Chair urges people to stay at home this Easter

The Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie, is appealing to people to stay at home this Easter to protect lives as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Speaking ahead of the Easter holiday weekend, Councillor Currie, said:

“Even though we are entering into what is traditionally an important holiday period, it is crucial that we don’t treat this as a normal holiday weekend but instead stay at home and only travel when it is absolutely essential to do so.

I appreciate Easter is normally a time when we usually get outdoors and enjoy the brighter evenings, visit friends and families or take days away, however, this Easter we must all do our bit by staying at home and staying local when taking our daily exercise.

It is reassuring to see so many citizens across the District following the official measures to fight the spread of Covid-19 by staying at home and social distancing when out and about.  It is imperative that we don’t become complacent and that we continue to protect our friends and families, our health and social care staff and key workers who are working so hard to ensure we have access to essential services during this time, by staying at home this Easter.

While Fermanagh and Omagh has wonderful sites and places to visit and, as a Council, we usually take great pleasure in welcoming visitors to the district throughout the year, this Easter the Council is urging people not to travel to any of the district’s visitor attractions or beauty spots but to stay at home and stay local for the good of everyone.

The last few weeks have provided all of us with great challenges and I recognise this may be a particularly difficult time for those who have lost loved ones as well as those who are isolated or vulnerable in our communities.

I encourage people to keep connected and to support each other during this time. There are a range of supports available in local communities and through a new central Community Coordination Hub and I urge people to avail of these services and the assistance they can provide.”

A Covid-19 Community Coordination Hub is now operating in Fermanagh and Omagh. The Hub works with the local community and voluntary sector to ensure those most at risk have access to support services such as food, medication, practical and emotional support.

For assistance and support from the Hub please contact the NI Covid-19 Community Helpline on freephone 0808 802 0020, Text ACTION to 81025 or email covid19@adviceni.net.