Number of volunteers to help battle virus doubles in 48 hours
AN overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland support the stringent measures ordered by the government to slow the spread of coronavirus, a poll suggests.
And one week since the lockdown was introduced by Prime Minister Boris Johnston, most of those surveyed said they would support even stronger restrictions.
But the survey, from Lucid Talk, also shows that most felt the UK Government was too slow to react to the virus, with the methods of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar proving much more popular in Northern Ireland.
Overall, 91% voiced their support for the stay-at-home regime, which has seen schools and businesses close, social distancing implemented and, last weekend, extra powers given to police to prevent social gatherings.
There was a 93% approval rating from those with a unionist background and 87% from nationalists.
Nationalists had the biggest concerns over the UK Government’s speed of reaction to the pandemic with 88% believing the moves to prevent the spread of the virus was too slow.
Less than half of unionists polled (43%) felt the government’s policy came too late, with 47% believing the timing was right. Overall in Northern Ireland, only 23% said the announcement of social restrictions was made at the right time.
NORTHERN Ireland’s chief prosecutor has warned that anyone who spits or coughs on key workers could face up to a year in prison.
Translink staff have been targeted by people claiming they have Covid-19 in Belfast.
The most recent incident saw a bus driver spat at by a passenger in the Ormeau Road area.
Previously a railway worker was targeted at Great Victoria Street station and a Glider staff member targeted in west Belfast.
The poll also indicates that Alliance, Green and ‘Other’ voters overwhelmingly (79%) thought the government, including the NI Executive, reacted too slowly.
In terms of political leadership during the outbreak, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Stormont Health Minister Robin Swann won the most praise from those surveyed.
The Taoiseach’s performance to date won the approval of over two thirds of surveyed in Northern Ireland, 67%.
His address to the nation on St Patrick’s night was a pivotal factor in his broad appeal across all sections of the community.
Mr Swann’s straightforward approach as Health Minister in the NI Executive has impressed 61% of the population — and he scored relatively highly with Nationalists/republicans (49%) and Alliance/green/others (55%).
Opinion still remains divided on Northern Ireland’s First and deputy First Ministers.
Michelle O’neill was praised for her handling of the crisis by 49% overall, with First Minister Arlene Foster impressing 47%.
But when broken down into support from unionists and nationalists, 62% of unionists were standing behind Mrs Foster and 68% of nationalists behind Mrs O’neill, who has consistently called for more urgent action over the closing of schools and businesses.
People are less impressed with Prime Minister Boris Johnston, whose support for his handling of the crisis so far lags behind at just 44% — though 67% of union
Several police officers in Northern Ireland have also been subjected to similar attacks in recent weeks.
Stephen Herron, the director of the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland, warned that spitting or coughing attacks on police and emergency services “will not be tolerated” and perpetrators should expect a robust response.
His counterpart in England and Wales, Max Hill QC, has previously said he was “appalled” at this behaviour and stated anyone using coronavirus to threaten emergency and essential workers ists backed his leadership, compared to just 22% of nationalists.
The biggest concern raised was over the perceived lack of testing for coronavirus which has been available across the country, particularly for health service workers.
There were further concerns over the lack of co-ordination and mixed messages coming faces serious criminal charges.
Mr Herron said: “Assaults against emergency service workers should never be tolerated. from Arlene Foster and Michelle O’neill and insufficient staffing and inadequate equipment for frontline workers, though almost all showed their support for the health service.
Most people (71%) are turning to national television (BBC and Sky News) to keep updated on the crisis, though 69% say they are using local news services
“However, it is even more important that they are protected during the coronavirus pandemic while they work tirelessly to help us all.
“We will work closely with police to ensure that anyone coughing on, spitting at or threatening any front line service worker can expect to face robust prosecution with a possible period of imprisonment of up to 12 months.
“If actual harm is caused, more serious charges could be brought with potentially increased sentences.”
On Saturday night a Belfast bus driver was spat at by a passenger (BBC NI, UTV and RTE) as their best source of information.
A worrying 43% are relying on social media, which has been criticised by health exports for spreading false information.
Among the top ideas those taking the survey suggested to ease the stay-at-home strain included making Sky Cinema and Netflix free for a month. who claimed to have the coronavirus.
The driver, called Michael, told BBC Radio Ulster’s Nolan Show that the passenger coughed in his direction before spitting at him during his last journey of the night.
He said the man was the last passenger and as he got off spat and coughed in his direction before shouting: “Virus, I have the virus and now you have the virus, you better wear a mask.”
Michael said that when he contacted police, officers told him there had been similar incidents over the last few days.
THE number of people who have registered to join Northern Ireland’s health and social care workforce has doubled to more than 8,000 within 48 hours.
This figure was welcomed by Health Minister Robin Swann who launched the campaign at the weekend with an appeal to the public, telling them: “Northern Ireland needs you.”
Within 24 hours of the launch, a total of 4,031 people signed up to the HSC Workforce Appeal.
The number of registrations has now risen to 8,855 — with 1,422 of the total figure clinical staff, many of whom have come out of retirement to offer their expertise and support health workers in the fight against the coronavirus.
Plans are under way by the Department of Health to invite second year nursing, midwifery and allied health professions, including physiotherapy, radiography and occupational therapy, to further support care delivery, as part of the scheme.
Non-clinical workers are also needed for paid employment, including porters, catering staff, cleaning and domestic services staff.
Yesterday, Mr Swann welcomed the continuing positive response to the scheme.
“This is really great news. Thank you to each and every one of you,” he said.
Across the UK, around 20,000 former NHS staff have returned to work in a bid to support workers in ensuring the health service is not overwhelmed during the crisis.
Meanwhile, the Department for Communities is supporting the Volunteer Now scheme, #Helpeachother in an effort to support those impacted socially by the virus.
Roles include telephone befriending, undertaking light shopping, walking the dog, packing food hampers, along with many others.
Individuals and organisations — which require help from volunteers — can both avail of the service which is being run by Volunteer Now, the leading body for volunteering, explained Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey.
“My department is working closely with Volunteer Now to support a co-ordinated response to the need for community support for those most vulnerable and isolated within our communities, particularly at this time,” she said. “Volunteering is vital to the fabric of our community and this has been demonstrated by the generosity of giving shown to date.”
For further information, please visit www.volunteernow.co.uk