Steve McGookinWelcome to Northern Slant’s weekly round-up of local virus-related items you might have missed. The next update will appear on 19 June. Previous updates are here, for the weeks ending:
You might like to read the thoughts of some of our contributors – and perhaps add your own – on ‘After the Lockdown – Hopes for our own Future’ and ‘ Hopes for Northern Ireland.’
See Also:
Wait ‘Til Next Year – May 22
Global Hubris – May 12
Reworking Your Business Strategy During Lockdown? – May 11
How Churches Can Continue To Function During Lockdown – May 6
The Impact of Covid-19 On Farming and Food Production – May 5
Lessons On The Environment From Responses To Coronavirus – April 21
A Universal Basic Income Will Help Renew Society – April 16
In Pivotal Week, Virus Leaves Politics In Disarray – April 10
China’s Tyrannical Hubris – April 6
And read a first-person account by NS contributor Callum McNeill here:
Escaping The Coronavirus – February 9
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Retailers hope for boost as shops re-open
Shops were allowed to re-open across Northern Ireland today after ministers moved on Thursday to extend the lifting of restrictions that have been in place for the past three months. The move leads the way for the rest of the UK.
Simon Hamilton, chair of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce said the decision to re-open will have avoided “severe job losses” in the retail sector. Economy minister Diane Dodds said the Executive also needs to have an “open and honest” discussion about the idea of reducing social distancing to one metre, which hospitality businesses have been pressing for.
Meanwhile, people living alone will be able to meet with one other household from tomorrow.
The moves come at the end of an encouraging week for local health data, as just one additional Covid-19 death was recorded in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 539. There are currently 343 Covid-19 patients in our hospitals.
and…
Fears grow of virus-related job losses
While today was good news for retailers, clouds of uncertainty remain around other sectors of the local economy.
Other virus news items this week:
Calls for hope & calls to action
Northern Slant aims to highlight some of the good news stories happening all around us. We’ll also show how communities are responding to the crisis, sharing details of how you might be able to get involved yourself.
Calls for Hope
And…
Calls to Action
Information and Resources
Keep up with the latest updates from the Northern Ireland Department of Health here
And from Belfast City Council here
Have a good weekend.
