Swann urges people to be less complacent on roads and at home to avoid accidents

HEALTH Minister Robin Swann has urged the public to do everything possible to avoid accidents throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yesterday Mr Swann said the health service will be under “unimaginable pressures” in the weeks ahead and injuries from accidents may not receive normal levels of care.

He urged people not to be “lulled” into complacency by quiet roads when out walking or cycling.

He said: “I very much welcome the fact that trauma doctors are advising the public to slow down and take care. They are promoting these very timely messages on social media.

“Taking care includes making sure you are safe while out taking your daily exercise.

“If walking or cycling, don’t be lulled into complacency by the quiet roads. And if you have to drive, fight any temptation to increase your speed because there’s no traffic around.”

Mr Swann urged extra caution for children playing at home.

“Playing at home is obviously vital for children, but injuries from the likes of trampolines are commonplace,” he said.

“Again, it’s about being ultra-careful and supervising children at all times.

“Likewise, DIY jobs that involve heights or potentially dangerous equipment should best be avoided until more normal times return.

“Our health service is going to be under unimaginable pressures in the coming days and weeks.

“There is no guarantee that normal levels of hospital care for fractures and other trauma injuries will be possible.”

Niall Eames, Belfast Trust consultant in trauma and orthopaedic surgery, said: “We will do our absolute best to look after everyone, but we may not be able to manage injuries as we normally do.

“We therefore must avoid any injuries where we possibly can.”

BORIS Johnson is writing to every household in the UK to urge the public to obey the lockdown and stay home during the coronavirus “national emergency”.

The Prime Minister (right), who is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, will warn “things will get worse before they get better” as he stresses the need to stay indoors to support the NHS by slowing the spread.

At an anticipated cost of £5.8m, the letters will land on 30 million doorsteps along with a leaflet spelling out the Government’s advice following much public confusion.

They are the latest in a public information campaign from No 10 to convince people to stay at home, wash their hands and shield the most vulnerable from the disease.

“We know things will get worse before they get better,” the PM’S letter will read.

“But we are making the right preparations, and the more we all follow the rules, the fewer lives will be lost and the sooner life can return to normal. It has been truly inspirational to see our doctors, nurses and other carers rise magnificently to the needs of the hour.

“Thousands of retired doctors and nurses are returning to the NHS — and hundreds of thousands of citizens are volunteering to help the most vulnerable. “That is why, at this moment of national emergency, I urge you, please, to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Amid allegations of confusing messages on the lockdown, the leaflet will outline the Government’s rules on leaving the house and advice on shielding vulnerable people.

A clear explanation of the symptoms will also be included as will guidance on hand washing.