Alistair Bushe, Editor
Dear Voornaam,
In the rollercoaster ride that we have been on since lockdown was introduced, August provided more twists and turns, and more ups and downs.
I will start this newsletter by referencing the rise in the number of new cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland which I am sure you will all have noticed.
We started to see increases in the second half of July, but the numbers really took off in August. Over a single weekend, towards the end of the month, 190 new cases of the disease were confirmed, including 119 on Sunday, August, 23, one of the biggest totals of the entire pandemic.
There is no doubt this is a concern, but at the time of writing it has not led to an increase in hospital admissions in Northern Ireland. On Monday, August 24, there were just 10 people with the virus in hospitals in the Province, whereas in early April there were 30 to 40 people being admitted every day.
Changes to restrictions on gatherings have been introduced here, along with a delay to the reopening of ‘wet’ pubs and theatres, but is a return to full lockdown, as health minister Robin Swann has mooted, feasible? Ben Lowry gives opinion in this strongly worded opinion piece.
One of the main talking points during August was the introduction of the mandatory wearing of face masks in shops in Northern Ireland, with the Stormont Executive following the example of England and Scotland, and indeed many countries worldwide. The move was made despite strong opposition from some politicians, most notably the DUP MP for East Antrim Sammy Wilson.
Face masks are also to become mandatory for secondary school pupils when they are in corridors and communal areas of schools in Northern Ireland. They must also be worn by pupils on public transport to and from school.
As a parent myself it is a huge relief that pupils have returned. It is incredible to think that children hadn’t seen the inside of a school classroom since March. The damage to many children’s education, and their social and mental wellbeing, has been considerable. If restrictions are reintroduced, we strongly believe these should not include school closures.
It has also been a month of tragedy. At the beginning of the month we were all stunned and saddened when former UTV presenter Brian Black lost his life in an accident at Strangford Lough. Tributes to Brian came from across the media and beyond.
Bandsman and football referee Richard Scott also lost his life in tragic circumstances, killed while working in his day job with NIE, while James Nesbitt, the actor, buried his father James Nesbitt senior, amidst a sea of tributes.
As we enter autumn, none of us know quite how the next few months will evolve. It could be another testing period for everyone, with winter around the corner.
It’s important we stick together and stay safe.
Thanks
Alistair Bushe,
Editor
