SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood says people should Stay At Home, Protect the NHS and help Save Lives
It comes after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson updated lockdown recovery plans with the new ‘Stay Alert’ message for England.
His new message has been rejected by political and trade union leaders in the North of Ireland.
SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said he had told Mr Johnson the new slogan was “a nonsense”.
He said today: “As I said to Boris Johnson yesterday, it’s not a burglar we’re trying to fight, it’s a virus.’’
“Staying alert does nothing to stop it but staying at home does.’’
The First and Deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill, said the Executive will not adopt the UK Government’s new slogan, instead sticking with the ‘Stay Home, Save Lives’ message.
It is likely the plan will be published tomorrow when the Assembly sits.
The Executive was supposed to publish its roadmap for recovery last Thursday but was postponed until this week over concerns that social distancing was not being adhered to in some parts and deaths in care homes were soaring.
It is likely churches could be allowed to reopen for private prayer but not for services.
There could also be hope for garden centres and golf clubs to reopen but with strict social distancing measures in place.
But the hospitality industry is unlikely to see hotels, bars and restaurants back open again before July.
Speaking on Sunday night Arlene Foster said: “People across Northern Ireland have listened and acted on the public health advice over the last six weeks.
“They have stayed at home, kept their distance and washed their hands, and because of that they have saved lives.
“We have flattened the curve of infection, reduced the ‘R’ rate to below one and protected our health service, but we are not out of the woods yet.
“As the Executive begins to finalise our plans for recovery, we need to strike the balance between continuing to protect people’s lives and the health service and give people hope for the future.
“The changes that we will introduce will be gradual, proportionate and based on scientific and medical advice and will be taken at the right time and in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland.”
Politicians reject Boris Johnson’s new ‘Stay Alert’ slogan
“That remains the message. As an Executive, we know it has been tough and we understand the impact the regulations are having on what was once our normal lives.
“But we are at a critical stage in the fight against the virus and so our recovery must be phased, gradual and strategic.”
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