Menu
16/03/2020
Plea For Calm This St Patrick's Day
Students are being urged to cancel any planned gatherings this St Patrick's Day in a bid to prevent further spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Those with prearranged plans in the Holylands area of south Belfast are advised to rethink their celebrations in light of the pandemic.
It comes as Queen's University Belfast announced that all lecture material will be delivered remotely and all face-to-face lectures cancelled from Wednesday onwards.
The PSNI is set to deploy an extra 80 officers to the area on Tuesday to police any celebrations and called on all non-residents to avoid the area.
"We appeal for people to stay out of the Holylands, be safe and responsible during this period," a spokesperson said.
Local MP Claire Hanna joined Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University Student Union Presidents Connor Veighey and Andrew McAnallen to appeal for calm.
The SDLP MP said: "Cancelled St Patrick's Day celebrations should absolutely extend to the 'informal gathering' in the Holylands. Really important that people- especially those fit, well and with no caring responsibilities approach this pandemic in terms of 'we' and not just 'I' as infections spread between young people can and will be transmitted to older or more vulnerable members of the family and community."
QUBSU president Connor Veighey added: "It is absolutely crucial that we take all personal responsibility and play our part in containing this crisis. I am urging all of our members and everyone else who may be planning to visit the area to consider the risks and instead celebrate the day at home. I am asking you to think about loved ones and those more vulnerable than you and take the necessary precautions in their interests at this time."
UUSU President Andrew McAnallen stated: "Given the rapidly developing situation of COVID-19 and the risk that public gatherings pose to public health, I'm urging all our members to please stay at home and do not put yourself, friends or vulnerable, elderly family members at risk by gathering in groups. Collectively we all must do everything we can to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Please celebrate Saint Patrick's Day responsibly."
(JG/CM)
Those with prearranged plans in the Holylands area of south Belfast are advised to rethink their celebrations in light of the pandemic.
It comes as Queen's University Belfast announced that all lecture material will be delivered remotely and all face-to-face lectures cancelled from Wednesday onwards.
The PSNI is set to deploy an extra 80 officers to the area on Tuesday to police any celebrations and called on all non-residents to avoid the area.
"We appeal for people to stay out of the Holylands, be safe and responsible during this period," a spokesperson said.
Local MP Claire Hanna joined Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University Student Union Presidents Connor Veighey and Andrew McAnallen to appeal for calm.
The SDLP MP said: "Cancelled St Patrick's Day celebrations should absolutely extend to the 'informal gathering' in the Holylands. Really important that people- especially those fit, well and with no caring responsibilities approach this pandemic in terms of 'we' and not just 'I' as infections spread between young people can and will be transmitted to older or more vulnerable members of the family and community."
QUBSU president Connor Veighey added: "It is absolutely crucial that we take all personal responsibility and play our part in containing this crisis. I am urging all of our members and everyone else who may be planning to visit the area to consider the risks and instead celebrate the day at home. I am asking you to think about loved ones and those more vulnerable than you and take the necessary precautions in their interests at this time."
UUSU President Andrew McAnallen stated: "Given the rapidly developing situation of COVID-19 and the risk that public gatherings pose to public health, I'm urging all our members to please stay at home and do not put yourself, friends or vulnerable, elderly family members at risk by gathering in groups. Collectively we all must do everything we can to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Please celebrate Saint Patrick's Day responsibly."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
DfI Outlines Congestion Mitigation Measures In Belfast City Centre
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has announced a series of measures aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Belfast City Centre. A strategic oversight group, comprising the DfI, Belfast City Council, PSNI, and Translink, has been formed to identify and implement effective solutions to reduce peak-time delays.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
22 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
21 November 2024
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
Belfast Region City Deal Delivers Early Results
The Belfast Region City Deal, a decade-long investment program, is already making significant strides in delivering tangible benefits to the region. Three years after its inception, partners from the program recently visited Stormont to showcase the progress made so far.
21 November 2024
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
