Welcome to Northern Slant’s weekly round-up of local virus-related items you might have missed. The next update will appear on 29 May. Previous weeks are here:

May 9-May 15, May 2-May 8,  April 25–May 1, April 18-24,  April 11-17,  April 6-10.

You might like to read the thoughts of some of our contributors – and perhaps contribute your own – on ‘After The Lockdown – Hopes for Northern Ireland.’

See Also:

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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‘Keep the momentum going’

The Chief Constable joined the First and deputy First minister at Friday’s daily news conference to call on people to be responsible over the bank holiday weekend. “Think twice about whether you really need to do something,” urged Simon Byrne.

Some lockdown restrictions were eased by the Executive at the start of the week. Garden centres and recycling centres were reopened, and up to six people from different households can now meet outside – provided everyone is at least two metres apart, of course.

A further review of Northern Ireland’s lockdown measures will take place by Thursday.

Economic impact 

Bus manufacturer Wrightbus has announced up to 125 job losses. The Ballymena-based company had been in difficulties before the Covid-19 crisis, but the latest news highlights a daunting new business environment.

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 

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.