Sinn Féin spokesperson on Housing Eoin Ó Broin TD has called on the government to do more to meet the needs of renters who have lost their jobs and who are struggling with high rental costs. Emergency rent supplement, rent reductions and rent waivers must now be firmly on the government’s agenda as Minister Eoghan Murphy introduces emergency legislation next week.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
“In the coming days and weeks, tenants in the private rented sector who have lost their jobs will have to pay their rent.
“While Minister Eoghan Murphy’s pledge to halt evictions and freeze rents for three months is a welcome first step, renters also need help with their rental payments.
“An emergency rent supplement payment must now be firmly on the agenda.
“I have written to Minister Regina Doherty three times as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is being felt by workers across the State.
“In my last e-mail to her yesterday, I urged her to consider introducing an emergency COVID-19 rent supplement payment, similar to the emergency welfare payment, to help renters.
“Equally, the government must also consider temporary rent reductions and rent waivers for tenants whose landlords are availing of mortgage repayment forbearance.
“A rent moratorium is not the solution as it will lead to a build up of rent arrears and a huge rental debt crisis down the road.
“Ministers Doherty and Murphy must meet with opposition spokespeople as a matter or urgency so we can all work together to support renters during this pandemic.”
Sinn Féin Leas Uachtarán Michelle O’Neill has said health and social care workers are the front line in the battle against COVID-19.
Michelle O’Neill said:
“Today I met with nurses and healthcare workers who are on the front line of the battle against COVID-19 to hear at first-hand their experiences and challenges that they are facing.
“Our health workers are doing an incredible job in the most challenging of circumstances to keep us all safe and they have my full admiration and support.
“I also met with nurses’ representatives to discuss the concerns of healthcare staff at this time. In particular, many are concerned about the need to ramp up testing, so that more staff can continue to work, and the availability of basic personal protection equipment.
“I listened and I will keep listening to them moving forward.
“I assured them I would do everything that I can as Joint Head of Government to make sure that they have all the support they need as they work to protect us all.
“The safety and well-being of health workers is paramount if we are to get through the challenge that is tackling COVID-19.
“I will continue to engage with health and social care staff and with the Minister for Health to ensure that they are supported and properly resourced to face the unprecedented crisis ahead.”
Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has called for the self-employed to be given the same income protections as others during the COVID-19 crisis.
The South Down MP said:
“All businesses are coming under huge pressure as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and the self-employed, those in the gig economy, and workers on precarious flexible contracts are particularly vulnerable at this time.
“The measures to protect incomes introduced by the British Chancellor are welcome but I have been contacted by many people who are self-employed who are asking for those protections to be extended to them too.
“I am calling for these protections to be extended to the self employed so that they receive 80 per cent of salary based on last years earnings up to a value of £2,500 per month.
“My party colleague, Finance Minister Conor Murphy, will be writing to the British Chancellor calling for this measure to be introduced at the same time as the protections come into place for other workers.
“Many self employed people provide key services that are required to keep our society working and they should receive the same support and protections as others.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has this morning announced proposals for an Income Support Scheme to bailout workers and families.
This scheme would benefit every worker laid off as a result of the Covid-19 crisis and everyone who earns up to €32,500 a year would receive their full wage for the next 20 weeks.
Teachta Doherty said:
"The scale of the economic challenge we are facing as a result of the Covid-19 crisis is immense and unprecedented. Immediate action is required to support businesses and the tens of thousands of workers and families who will struggle to survive during this emergency.
"Extraordinary measures are required in extraordinary times.
"We need a bailout for workers and families, and to support small businesses.
"Sinn Féin is proposing the immediate introduction of an Income Support Scheme to pay all workers who are laid off as a result of the Covid-19 crisis their income up to €525 per week for 20 weeks. The scheme will be applied retrospectively from 9th March.
"This will benefit every worker and would mean that every worker who earns up to €32,500 a year would receive their full wage.
"Those earning above this amount will also have this support, and the scheme would allow for employer top-ups to supplement their income.
"Pro-rata rates would apply to those who have had their hours reduced and the self-employed are also included in the scheme.
"It is proposed that this scheme will be paid through the employer, who would maintain workers on the payroll in order to avail of the scheme and they would be reimbursed by the State.
"We are also calling on the European Investment Bank to step up to the plate and allow businesses to access zero interest loans to cover costs during this crisis and this would be based on the employer maintaining workers on the payroll and re-employing them.
"This is an important intervention which would give workers and families some level of security during this crisis and also allow the maximum number of businesses to survive.
"It would also put us in a stronger position to rebuild the economy and society on the far side of this crisis."
Carthy calls on Government to include Funeral Directors in Coronavirus planning
Speaking this weekend, Cavan Monaghan TD, Matt Carthy, has called on the government to ensure that representatives of funeral directors are included in discussions relating to the preparation for the Coronavirus emergency.
Deputy Carthy said that, while the hope must remain that deaths from Covid-19 will be minimised, it is nevertheless imperative that measures are taken to ensure that funerals are organised in a dignified and safe manner. Funeral Directors, he said, will find themselves at the frontline and therefore need supports from the National Public Health Emergency Team.
The Sinn Féin representative said:
“I have been contacted by funeral directors in my constituency who are deeply concerned about the level of preparedness in the wake of the Coronavirus crisis.
“Specifically, they are concerned that as Funeral Directors, they have to be on the front line of a potential emergency situation with very little specialised training or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and, yet, will be expected to manage the transfer of the deceased within their local community from family homes and nursing homes.
“I have written to the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health asking them to ensure that proposals from Funeral Directors will be serious consideration by their respective departments and by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
“In the first instance I have requested that the NPHET include the Irish Association of Funeral Directors in its discussions on forward-planning over the coming days.
“Secondly, I have called on the NPHET to adopt the proposal that specialised teams in each county, coordinated by local government and made up of Emergency Responders (fire staff) and Funeral Directors who can be quickly resourced and trained in transfer in safe working practices, use of PPE and equipment and desensitized techniques to manage the safe collection and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to local mortuaries (existing or temporary) or funeral homes, be actioned without delay.
“I believe that the constructive manner in which Funeral Directors have approached this emergency situation is welcome and therefore I trust that the government will respond positively to the proposals that they have made.
“Our hope must be that deaths from Covid-19 are minimised and that these measures will not be over-utilised; however we have a responsibility to ensure that every funeral is organised in as dignified and safe manner as possible.”
ENDS
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has said that 'the scandalous behaviour of the insurance industry at a time of national crisis needs to be reined in urgently'.
He said that 'it can't be business as usual for the insurance industry while the rest of society and the economy suffers because of the Covid-19 pandemic'.
He said:
"At a time of national emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and at a time when thousands of businesses are suffering and tens of thousands of jobs are being lost, some insurers are looking at ways to avoid indemnity for business interruption; despite it being written into the insurance contracts of many of their customers.
"For many policy holders, this is despite infectious or contagious diseases being explicitly recognised in written contracts as a legitimate cause of business interruption or interference.
"The insurance industry charges out-of-control premiums and are now refusing to pay out to customers. The sector wants a win-win situation here as usual.
"This is scandalous behaviour at a time of national crisis that needs to be reined in urgently. It can't be business as usual for the insurance industry while the rest of society and the economy suffers because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"They need to be reined in by the Central Bank and taken to task over this behaviour. Nothing less than this is approach is required."
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment David Cullinane TD has called for urgent action to support local radio stations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a growing fear that hundreds of jobs could be lost in the sector and a vital cog in disseminating important information lost also.
Deputy Cullinane has raised concerns directly with Minister Richard Bruton and with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
He said:
"As the State deals with the unprecedented challenge COVID-19 presents it is vital that the essential service provided by local and Independent radio stations is maintained.
"Local radio stations play an important and trusted role in disseminating information and keeping the public informed.
"They are now faced with an unprecedented crisis and if measures and supports are not put in place this will result in significant job losses and a loss of an effective network of stations providing essential news and keeping the public informed.
"I have been in direct contact with Minister Richard Bruton on this matter and have asked him to urgently put in place a package of supports. I have also raised these issues with the Department of Business and Enterprise at a briefing today.
"I welcome the Minister’s request that the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland waive the broadcasting levy for a period of six months, however he must go further and release €5 million of Sound and Vision funding as soon as is possible to ensure that each station can continue to deliver news and current affairs.
"This may involve changing the scope of the fund as the monies must be available for news, current affairs and speech-based programming. Administrative requirements may also need to be curtailed to speed up delivery.
"Responding to this crisis is difficult for all sectors of our economy. Local and independent radio has a hugely important role to play and needs to be protected and supported as best as possible during this difficult period."
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Social Protection John Brady TD has welcomed the decision to drop the requirement to have a Public Services Card to make an online application for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
This follows calls from Sinn Féin for the online application process to be simplified and the need for a PSC to be dropped to allow more people make an online application.
He said:
"Over 58,000 applications have already been made and this has put huge pressure on the staff in all Intreo offices. Many people are still dropping into Intreo offices to make an application. This is why we made the call for the online application process to be simplified.
"Previously to make an online application people had to set up a MyGovID account and doing so required a Public Services Card to complete verification. If you didn’t have a card you needed to call to an Intreo office and complete a face to face registration. This was putting more pressure on all Intreo offices and also needlessly bringing people into public spaces.
"Earlier this week I contacted the Minister for Social Protection and asked that the requirement to have a PSC to make an online application be dropped.
"Last night in the Dáil when I raised the issue it was confirmed that the requirement has now been dropped. This is a common sense decision that will make it much easier for people to make an application for the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment."
Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has called on the Department of Agriculture to be flexible with the Single Farm Payment application deadline in light of the COVID19 crisis.
Speaking after a meeting of the Agriculture committee, the West Tyrone MLA said:
“I have been contacted by many farmers who are extremely anxious at the spread of COVID19 and who are working frantically to meet the 15 May deadline for single farm payment applications.
“The overwhelming number of applications are conducted online and many of these are completed by people in the presence of the farmer. In some cases, this is a neighbour, a farm advisor or a friend.
“This works against advice social distancing and isolation and places the farmers and those around them at increased risk of infection.
“The average age of our farmers is almost 60. This places them in the ‘vulnerable’ category and after decades of hard work on the farm, many have underlying health conditions.
“In addition to this, in many rural areas, such as the Sperrins, they are working off unreliable broadband resulting in the farmer leaving their farm and travel to another location to complete their application.
“I pressed department officials on the need to show maximum understanding and flexibility in order to protect people’s health at this sensitive time.”
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has expressed condolences following the death of West Belfast republican, Jacqui McGeough.
Paul Maskey said:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of local republican Jacqui McGeough today.
“Jacqui was involved in republican and community activism for many years and stood in a number of elections for Sinn Féin.
“My thoughts are with her friends, family and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford and member of the Public Accounts Committee David Cullinane has described the publication of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General Séamus McCarthy into the Project Nantes Loan Sale as a case of déjà vu and deeply troubling.
The loans in Project Nantes were part of a bigger portfolio of loans with a combined par value at acquisition of €489 million.
Speaking today Deputy Cullinane said:
“The publication of this report is a case of déjà vu and is deeply troubling. The report found that errors and poor analysis by NAMA meant that the proceeds for the project were significantly lower than they should have been.
“The report concludes that had the full scope of the loan portfolio been consistently and accurately reflected in the NAMA target, the residual amount to be achieved through the loan sale would have been €29 million more than was achieved.
“The report also finds that a failure to secure independent current asset valuations prior to any disposal and the absence of a competitive marketing process resulted in the C&AG concluding that there is no basis to say that NAMA achieved the best possible financial out-turn from the loan sale.
“We have been here before with Project Eagle. We are here again with Project Nantes.
"It is remarkable that the C&AG’s look back at two NAMA loan sales has shown a disregard for competitive sales and marketing processes as well as alleged errors in securing accurate and independent asset valuations.
“As with Project Eagle, the C&AG is unable to conclude that NAMA achieved the best possible sale value and as a result, the best possible return for the taxpayer.
"This report will need to be carefully considered and acted upon.”
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin has said that Government plans to introduce legislation to ban evictions from the private rented sector and to freeze rents is ‘a welcome first move for renters’.
Deputy Ó Broin said:
"Today’s announcement by Eoghan Murphy that he will bring forward legislation next week to ban evictions from the private rented sector during the COVID-19 crisis is a welcome first step for renters.
"I am a strong critic of Minister Murphy and Fine Gael’s failed housing policy. However, parties must work together to protect workers and families during the COVID-19 crisis.
"I spoke to Minister Murphy today and he outlined what he intends to put in the legislation. If the legislation is robust, freezes rents and protects renters affected by loss of income from eviction, then it is to be welcomed.
"The legislation also needs to suspend all existing Notices to Quit and related Residential Tenancies Board processes.
"Protections also need to be extended to lodgers and those in rent-a-room arrangements.
"Sinn Féin will approach this legislation in a constructive spirit and support the Minister. However, Government needs to do more to ensure that renters have access to an emergency COVID-19 rent supplement payment.
"Equally, Government must seriously examine the possibility of temporary rent reductions and rent waivers for tenants whose landlords who are availing of mortgage repayment forbearance."
Sinn Féin MLA Maolíosa McHugh has said the closure of the O’Neill’s factory in Strabane is a devastating blow to the local area.
The West Tyrone MLA said:
“News of the closure of O’Neill’s in Strabane with the loss of 750 jobs comes as a devastating blow to the local area.
“My first thoughts are with the workers faced with losing their jobs and their families at this time of great uncertainty.
“This has been a major employer in the town for many years and its loss will have a huge impact on the local economy in Strabane and across the wider north west.
“I would call on the company to ensure that workers are kept up to date with all developments and that retraining and upskilling opportunities are offered.
“The Executive have put in place measures to deal with job losses as a result of the current emergency and I would encourage anyone effected to check to see if they can avail of these.”
Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has written to the Minister for Finance requesting he engages with the insurance market in light of a number of insurers seeking to avoid indemnity for business interruption on spurious grounds while the survival of jobs and small businesses are at stake.
Deputy Doherty has also written to the Central Bank requesting what measures can be taken to ensure that the insurance industry does not shirk its responsibilities during this economic crisis.
Speaking today, Deputy Doherty said:
“The COVID-19 outbreak, and our public health response, has led to the essential shut-down of whole sectors of our economy, including hospitality. This is unprecedented.
“As a result countless restaurants, pubs and other businesses in the hospitality sector have closed down, and face severe cash flow problems in the weeks and months ahead. Their survival, and the survival of thousands of jobs, is on the line.
“It has become clear that a number of insurers are seeking to avoid indemnity for business interruption, despite it being written into the insurance contracts of many of their customers.
“For some businesses, this is despite infectious or contagious diseases being explicitly recognised in written contracts as a legitimate cause of business interruption or interference.
“We have learnt that a number of insurers are trying to avoid this indemnity on the grounds that closures took place as a measure of prevention, or simply to stall on their obligations in the hope of an expected bailout from the State.
“While it is clear that this is an unprecedented situation for underwriters, this approach is not sustainable or acceptable. The insurance sector has returned to profitability, and it is time that they play their part in this national emergency.
“They must reach agreement with their customers and find resolution to this situation before it results in litigation.
“My Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill would have offered greater protections to these businesses than currently exist. Indeed, it would have resulted in insurance contracts being read in favour of the consumer or business if a dispute such as this was ever to arise.
“Unfortunately, despite it being signed into law in December of last year, this Government have refused to commence it. That is unfortunate and will deny these businesses much needed protections.
“I have written to the Minister and the Central Bank to engage with the insurance sector and ensure that they play their part in this emergency, when so many jobs are on the line. Nothing less will do.”
Below is the address of Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD to the Dáil on the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020:
"Across this island our citizens, families and communities are bracing themselves for what is going to be a very tough few months. This crisis presents us with the challenge of our lifetime - to protect health, to defend livelihoods and to save lives.
"No-one here has all the answers to all of the challenges we face, but we have been elected here and we have a job to do, to listen and be guided by sound advice, to take decisions and to lead. That is what we must do.
"Social distancing, keeping ourselves to ourselves, is the thing that will slow this virus down. Social solidarity, community and family are the things that will protect us from isolation, anxiety and fear and we need to practice both, in equal measure.
"People have responded to the collective effort to stop the spread of Covid-19. They have heard the public health information and people have made the conscious decision to minimise social contact. People and communities have rallied to the call to slow this virus down.
"Over the weekend and St. Patrick's Day people cancelled parties, get togethers and family occasions to protect and save the lives of loved ones and their neighbours. Yesterday, tens of thousands of those same people went back to work, to factories, construction sites and to places where there is no real prospect of being able to practice social distancing, where there are no hand sanitisers and where there is no adequate protection. Now these workers worry that they are bringing the virus into their homes.
"The legislation before us today affords the Minister extraordinary and far reaching powers and people want to know that these powers will be used to protect them. So they ask why is it that large gatherings are still allowed? They ask why is it that in this race against time the government has not yet introduced full measures to give effect to social distancing?
"Nobody relishes the idea of what is called ‘lockdown’ but people do want the full assurance that half measures aren’t being taken, that corners aren’t being cut and that every necessary measure is being deployed to protect their health and safety, and these things are being done now.
"The government must give that reassurance to people and give full explanations of what’s happening and when and why - because orderly, decisive action is the thing that brings calm and reassurance.
"Equally people must know that the powers vested in the Minister are used only and exclusively for the purposes of addressing this crisis.
"Tens of thousands of people have lost their jobs. Many more will lose their jobs in the days and weeks ahead as businesses have had to close their doors. For these families the fear of the virus is now matched by the fear of bills that cannot be paid, rents that cannot be paid and mortgages that might go into default.
"Today’s legislation is just the start of the welfare response for these families. Illness benefit and jobseekers payments are just part of what must be a comprehensive response.
"The memory of the banking crash and financial crisis is still fresh in peoples minds. The disastrous cutbacks and austerity had dire social consequences. We cannot walk that path again.
"The people of this State bailed out the country’s banks a decade ago and the legacy of that crisis prevails. It was the resilience of ordinary workers that got our economy back on its feet. So now, in the eye of this new storm, this State must deliver for its people as guardian of common good. That is our job here.
"At this time, people’s homes are their sanctuaries. Never before has the need for a secure roof over your head been greater. That is why today Sinn Féin have put forward an amendment to today’s legislation that will prohibit evictions for the period that this legislation is in place. I believe that must be upheld in the common good, and no threat of eviction should hang over anyone’s head at a time of national crisis.
"We have to ensure that not one single person is left behind. It is our responsibility in this place to show leadership and to reassure people that we can get through this crisis. I have no doubt that we can do that.
"We need look no further than that of our healthcare workers, who have signed up in their tens of thousands to work in our hospitals and our communities to deal with this crisis. They are the ones whose example we should follow.
"So in that spirit today the Dáil needs to resolve that during this emergency:
"Everything that we do - socially, economically, and politically - must have as its sole priority the health and wellbeing of workers and families.
"This is a time for us all to pull together.
"When the Dáil meets next week we need to be taking further decisions. I believe that the work of this Dáil cannot cease at a time of crisis.
"In respect of the public health response, can I take the opportunity to commend the work of our public health doctors and teams thus far. Their work is invaluable, and we salute you and your efforts at this time.
"I also want to pay a special tribute to health staff across our public health system. Truly they are at the frontline of this crisis. They are truly deserving of our respect, admiration and our solidarity at this time.
"We need to do our bit. Everyone else is doing theirs. This is a road we walk together.
"In years to come, we will talk about life before the Coronavirus and we will talk about life after the virus.
"But the most important time is the present - the here and now - at this daunting time.
"There is no doubt that we shall overcome.
"The togetherness we see in our communities, the bravery, and professionalism of our frontline health workers and the enduring spirit of our people fill us all with hope.
"We have overcome great hardship before in numerous generations.
"We are no strangers to dark days. And yet, we endure together."
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West Mark Ward has welcomed the news that the HSE will suspend car parking charges for hospital staff during the Covid-19 Health Emergency.
Speaking today, Deputy Ward said;
"I wholeheartedly welcome the news that hospital staff will no longer have to pay parking charges in hospitals as they continue to fight the Covid-19 outbreak.
"This decision is a victory for common sense, and will serve as a gesture of appreciation to these unsung heroes.
"It can be difficult for these workers to maintain social distancing guidelines if they are forced to use public transport due to lack of accessible parking facilities at their hospital.
"Hospital staff and healthcare workers are essential in tackling the Covid-19 outbreak and protecting our communities."
Sinn Féin health spokesperson Deputy Louise O’Reilly has called on the government to address the issue of childcare for health workers so they can work on the frontline fighting Covid-19.
Speaking today, Teachta O’Reilly said:
“Last Wednesday I asked the government to put a plan in place to address childcare issues which would arise for health workers once schools began to close to stop the spread of Covis-19.
“The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) and other health workers’ unions have also raised this matter with the government.
“However, to date a solution has yet to be secured.
“In the absence of a solution many health workers are relying on volunteers or parents to mind their children as they work at the frontline.
“While temporary roster changes are currently being allowed to release health staff to deal with childcare, as the crisis deepens these measures will no longer be a viable option.
“A solution for the childcare of health workers needs to be put in place by the government as quickly as possible as all indications are the number of Covid-19 cases will significantly increase over the coming days and health workers will be needed more than ever.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD has spoken with the Department of Education to get clarification regarding their announcement that Junior and Leaving Cert Oral Examinations will not proceed as planned.
Speaking this afternoon, Teachta Ó Laoghaire outlined the intricacies of his conversation and the information he received;
“I spoke with the Department of Education earlier today and my understanding is that the first set of practical and oral tests due for examination over the next two weeks have been cancelled and students will receive full marks for these.
“This does not mean all practical examinations and project work has been cancelled. All exams and project work due from the 20th March to the 24th April has been pushed out to the 15th May.
“Regarding the main exams on the 3rd June, the State Examinations Commission and Department are discussing potential options and no decision has been made in this regard yet. The State Examinations Commission is sending guidance to schools in the coming days which they can disseminate to students.
“I emphasised to the Department the need to provide clarity for students, their families and for teachers. It is already an extremely anxious time, without this uncertainty hanging over them. I emphasised the need for a date by which students can know whether exams are likely to proceed or not.
“While it is an evolving situation, and the advice of public health authorities must guide us, uncertainty cannot continue indefinitely and there should be a date that students can look to for a decision.
“I also told the Department that many subjects, for example Construction Studies, have project work which cannot be undertaken at home and that these students are very concerned. These projects are time consuming and require specific equipment. These students need certainty.
“Every effort to hold exams should be made; provided it is safe to do so for students, teachers and invigilators but public health must be priority.
“I also believe that there is a need for the Department and schools to give direction to students on how they can access counselling supports. I’m sure we can all joke about how great it is that exams are being cancelled but the reality is this uncertainty is very stressful for many.”
Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew has expressed his condolences following the announcement of the first death from COVID-19 in the north.
The Chair of the Assembly’s Health Committe said:
"Today we learned of the sad news that there has been a death from COVID-19 in the north.
"In the midst of all the debate and discussion over the coronavirus outbreak, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that this is a tragic loss for the friends and family of the person who has sadly died.
"My thoughts and condolences are with them at this difficult time.
"This tragic news brings the number of deaths across the island to three.
"It also further highlights the seriousness of the crisis we are facing and reinforces the need for a widespread programme of testing to be rolled out across the north.
"It is only though testing of all suspected cases, together with the excellent efforts of our health and social care workers, that we will be able to tackle COVID-19.
"This is a difficult day for the family involved and for all of those working to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
“However, I have no doubt our health workers are doing everything they can in very challenging circumstances to help stop the spread of this pandemic."
