LISTEN- Belfast City Council postpone St Patrick’s Day celebrations due to Coronavirus

By Q Radio News

St Patrick's Day parades across the island of Ireland have been affected by coronavirus.

Belfast City Council voted last night to postpone the city's parade.

Here's Mayor Daniel Baker:

I took the decision this evening to propose that Belfast postpones our St. Patrick Day parade

As Mayor of Belfast, I believe that there is an obligation on me to protect the health & well-being of citizens

I believe that this decision, however unfortunate, is in public interest pic.twitter.com/k1MZYvws2K

— Cllr Daniel baker (@danielbakersf) March 9, 2020

The DUP abstained on the vote - Councillor David Brooks explains why:

Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown says it wasn't a decision the Council took lightly:

🎥 @belfastcc postpones St. Patrick’s Day parade and concert - @allianceparty cllr @EmmetMcDB says the decision’s been taken because of the spread of #COVID19 #coronavirus - “The safety of the citizens of Belfast is foremost in our minds...” pic.twitter.com/jBH3Xt5Ym9

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 9, 2020

Staff have been told not to attend work at a banking call centre in the Gasworks in Belfast today after a positive test for Coronavirus. 

Staff have been told not to attend work at a banking call centre in the Gasworks in Belfast tomorrow after a positive test for Coronavirus. A text message sent out this evening says they will learn more by tomorrow. Otherwise, they should stay at home. #COVID19 #coronavirus

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 9, 2020

Meanwhile,

The Taoiseach announced all parades and festivals in the Republic of Ireland would not go ahead.

Leo Varadkar announced a €430m package for the Health Service Executive to deal with the impact of Covid-19.

Italy’s revealed some of the most extreme restrictions on movement since the Second World War as the country continues to battle coronavirus.

The whole nation is on lockdown with all 60 million people being told they should only travel for work or emergencies.

Two schools have closed to undertake deep cleaning after a young person was diagnosed with Covid-19 in Northern Ireland.

Newtownhamilton High School and primary school share the same site in Co Armagh and are expected to reopen next week.

St Gall's Gaelic Athletic Club in west Belfast also said an adult member had recently tested positive having returned from holiday.

Stormont Education Minister Peter Weir said: "We are trying to hold back a tide here."

Between 50 and 80% of the population could ultimately be infected by the coronavirus, Stormont health minister Robin Swann said.

Northern Ireland is attempting to contain the spread of the virulent infection.

Mr Swann added: "This is not going to get any easier any time soon.

"The indications are it is likely to get much worse and more challenging before we are through the worst."

In total, 12 positive cases have been detected in Northern Ireland.