September 11, 2020
Gormely raises concern at risk of COVID19 outbreak

Botanic Sinn Féin Councillor John Gormley has expressed concern at the risk of a Covid-19 outbreak in the Holyland and wider university area as students return to the area for the new academic year.

The South Belfast Councillor said:

“September has seen the return of thousands of students to the Holyland and wider university area, many of them to live in houses of multiple occupation.

“As part of their university experience they will want to socialise with others and will attend classes where they will mix with different sets of students.

“At weekends, many will return home where they will mix with family and friends.

“This creates the risk of multiple overlapping circles of contact within which Covid-19 could rapidly spread.

“I am encouraging students to follow public health guidelines and to play their part in minimising the spread of the virus. This includes adhering to the guidelines in relation to the number of people allowed to meet within private dwellings.

“Universities must ensure that actions are taken to minimise the spread of the virus on campus, including enforcing the wearing and supply of face-masks where necessary.

“Landlords must too recognise that they have a duty of care for their tenants and actively monitor their houses to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the occupants.

“Hospitality and retail businesses in the wider university area must take responsibility for implementing the public health guidelines.

“The PSNI and Belfast City Council must ensure that everyone involved adheres to the guidelines and must take action to enforce the guidelines where necessary.

“I welcome the fact that the PHA intends to meet regularly with the relevant agencies on this issue and I am calling for a clear, strategic and proactive approach to protect residents and to prevent any outbreak.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

The Government’s Hate Speech legislation must be scrapped!

Government failed to take on board any of Sinn Féin's concerns and amendments about the Bill as it proceeded through the Oireachtas.

It's clear the Bill is not fit for purpose and it must be scrapped. - @Donnchadhol

Government has had 4 years to tackle the issues within healthcare. Sinn Féin has published detailed plans to improve health services.

Tomorrow @davidcullinane will be launching his plan to make local health services better & more accessible for people, families and communities.

I was delighted to visit the Carntogher Community Association in South Derry as they marked their 30th anniversary.

The Association continues to transform the local community, empower and provide new opportunities for people of all ages, and ensure the local Gaeltacht continues…

"Simon Harris has sat at Cabinet Table for 8 years, please don’t try and sell us old wine in new bottles. What we have at best is a Leo lite."

The time is right for a General election. Fine Gael are out of time and out of touch. Call the election. @loreillysf

Load More