Cluster of Covid-19 cases identified in Northern Ireland

Good afternoon,

While a return to a more normal way of life for us all is to be welcomed, there is no doubt that Covid-19 is still very much a threat in our community.

This afternoon it was revealed that the Public Health Agency has identified a cluster of cases in the Limavady area, linked to a social gathering in a private setting. The Agency's message is clear: "This virus has the potential to make its presence felt in any district. Everyone should act on the basis that it might potentially be in their neighbourhood right now."

The potential mandatory wearing of face masks in shops across Northern Ireland has been a topic of public and private debate all this week, with Health Minister Robin Swann among those voicing support for the move. East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson, however, feels it should be up to everyone to decide for themselves if they want to wear face coverings or not.

He says that as we try to move back to normality, 'the level of state interference in our lives should also be reduced, not increased'.

Whatever your views on the subject, I'm sure everyone will agree they are finding the sight of the public wearing face masks in our streets and neighbourhoods a lot less bizarre than they would have done just a month or so ago.

Stay safe,

Valerie Martin,

Head of Content.

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