'Life as we know it has changed so dramatically'

Local MP Francie Molloy said he never thought that he would see a day when life as we know it has changed so dramatically.

Speaking about the decision to lockdown normal society, the Sinn Féin politician said while unprecedented the move “seems entirely necessary”.

Mr Molloy said: “This is a crisis situation, the like of which we have never seen in our lifetimes. During previous outbreaks of foot and mouth there were severe restrictions but nothing compared to this.”

“All non-essential travel, work and movement needs to cease. We are getting a steady stream of calls from workers and family members who are very concerned about factories and construction sites still being open. This needs to stop. If it is not essential then it should not be happening.

“Everyone needs to adhere to the directions being given at present. However, I honestly feel that the Government in London have dithered on this crisis and for some unknown reason took a different approach from the rest of Europe and rest of the world. In doing so they allowed weeks of additional time to go to waste.”

“Our health service will be under a huge pressure, the community nurse teams have been left without protective gear and masks at a critical time. That is not good enough. I want to commend them for their work and their selfless bravery.”

“I want people to take seriously the urgency of this situation. If you get the virus it could kill you, a family member or a neighbour. Please don’t take that risk.”

DUP MLA Keith Buchanan said “now is the time to do the right thing”.

Mr Buchanan said he fully agreed with the decision made by Prime Minister Boris Johnston.

He continued: “This is an unprecedented time in the history of the UK and this crisis requires extraordinary and bold decisions to be taken.

“These next few months are going to be very difficult. Every single person will be deeply affected by this disease and every person has their part to play in getting through this.

“These next few months are going to be very difficult and challenging. Now is the time to do the right thing and not play at politics for political gain.

“There will be those who believe they know better but we must follow the advice of the professionals within our health service and public health agency. They are working with their colleagues throughout the world seeking the best practice and measures to overcome Covid-19.”

Ulster Unionist Party leader on Mid Ulster Council Councillor Trevor Wilson welcomed the decision and asked everyone in the district to adhere to the guidance given by the government.

“It’s important people follow the advice on social distancing,” he said.

“It may not happen to them but there others such as the elderly and people with underlying health conditions which could be impacted.

Councillor Wilson said he had received queries about large numbers of people flocking to Cookstown Market last Saturday and to Drum Manor Forest Park.

“People need to wise up and start to act responsibly”, he added.

SDLP Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Martin Kearney has appealed for residents to ‘stay home, stay safe’ and adhere to the vital social distancing advice if they must go out as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

Yesterday, March 23, the Council, as part of its on-going response to Covid-19 and in line with the latest advice, took the decision to

move to delivering essential services only.

This includes: bin collections and recycling centres, registration services (births and deaths), burial services and it will continue to receive planning and building control applications.

Councillor Kearney emphasised the importance of strictly following social distancing guidelines and thanked staff and the community for all their support during this difficult time.

He added: “I have been totally overwhelmed by the response from our community and how everyone has pulled together to support one another and most notably those in need during such an uncertain and troubling time.”