Arlene Foster says there may be “small differences” to facilitate blockade measures across the UK



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Northern Ireland Prime Minister Arlene Foster has said there may be slight differences in how the blockade measures are eased across the UK, but warned that those in Northern Ireland would be nuanced.

It comes as UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepares to address the nation on Sunday, describing how the closure measures, introduced on March 23, will be facilitated.

Ms. Foster said that the region’s reproductive rate (R0), the number of people infected by an infected person, is currently 0.8.

She said that is higher than some areas in England and that it must be reduced before the region can move to relax.

Speaking at Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday, he said: “We will be seeing some nuanced changes throughout that time and look forward to hearing what the Prime Minister has to say today.

“But I think, in terms of the public in Northern Ireland, it is important that we continue to protect them and ensure that this virus does not start to spread again in the community in a way that could cause harm to the community.”

Ms Foster said that the blockade could be eased in different regions, as the transmission rate in Northern Ireland is higher than in other regions of the United Kingdom.

“Sage and, in fact, our own medical director acknowledge that there are different transmission rates across the UK.

“There are differences in the UK, regional differences, I think the Prime Minister recognizes those regional differences and as a result he can see slight differences across the UK.”

When asked if it is a good idea that the blockade can be reapplied to different regions if necessary, he said that it is important for Northern Ireland to move in cohesion with the rest of the UK.

“It is important that we do the right thing in our UK region to move forward. That is why we came up with our road plan early next week. It will establish how we can gradually go back to what will be a different normality. “

Four other Covid-19 deaths were reported in Northern Ireland on Saturday, the Health Department said. Bring the total deaths to 430.

Another 56 positive cases were also diagnosed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4,078.

    Useful information

  • The HSE has developed an information package on how to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus. Read it here
  • Anyone with coronavirus symptoms who has been in close contact with a confirmed case in the past 14 days should isolate themselves from others; This means going alone to a different, well-ventilated room with a phone; call your GP or emergency department;
  • After-hours GP services are not in a position to order tests for patients with normal cold and flu symptoms. HSELive is an information line and, similarly, is not in a position to order tests for members of the public. The public is asked to reserve 112/999 for medical emergencies at all times.
  • ALONE has launched a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or face difficulties related to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak in Ireland. The support line will be open seven days a week, from 8 am to 8 pm, by calling 0818 222 024



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