Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
2,107 reasons to follow the rules..
Candlelit service held for our loved ones who didn’t make it
LIVES lost to coronavirus were remembered last night as thousands of candles flickered in a silent act of prayer.
Holly Wilson, whose grandmother Ada passed away during the pandemic, was among those who reflected on the cost borne by so many at the Belfast Cathedral service.
The event was in partnership with Marie Curie and part of their National Day of Reflection.
The candles were lit after the Department of Health recorded another two Covid-19-related deaths, bringing its total to 2,107.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “It is my sincerest hope that we can
now move along the pathway to a new normal as soon as possible.
“Short dreary winter days in lockdown combined to make poor companions.”
Proceedings at the Northern Ireland Assembly paused yesterday for assembly members to observe a minute’s silence which was held across the UK.
Speaking in the chamber, the Health Minister acknowledged that “life had changed immeasurably” for everyone over the past year.
Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew told the Assembly that contacttracing services should be scaled up as lockdown measures are relaxed.
Mr Gildernew, who heads the health committee at Stormont, said he had met officials to discuss the issue recently.
He added: “As we see further restrictions being lifted the risk of increased contact at work or between households could lead to further outbreaks, clusters and surges.
“I am very disappointed to note the latest figures for the contacttracing complement, with only 46 contact tracers employed on a full-time basis, 100 part-time and 170 on a bank basis.”