Executive Daily Update: Initiatives to deal with Coronavirus (15 April 2020)

Northern Ireland Executive Ministers and their officials have over the past 24 hours been involved in a number of initiatives and critical decisions relating to the Coronavirus emergency.

Covid-19 Executive Update

The First Minister Arlene Foster and the deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill took part in a COBR conference call with the UK Government and other devolved administrations to discuss the current Covid-19 situation.

The call took place as the First Minister and the deputy First Minister urged members of the public not to relax their guard after Easter in the effort to limit the spread of Covid-19.

The First Minister said: “We are still in the middle of the first wave of Covid-19 cases and we should be focussing on doing everything we can right now to reduce its peak. If we relax our guard now, all will have been in vain. Please stay at home as much as possible. Do not undertake non-essential travel. Exercise outdoors, once a day, close to home. By following that advice, you will relieve the pressure on our health service and you will save lives.”

The deputy First Minister added: “Lives are being saved because of these measures. Lives are being saved because you are staying at home. We know it is not easy but now is the time to dig in. This is time to stay strong and this is the time to stay at home and save lives.”

Health Minister Robin Swann highlighted a new volunteer-led service to deliver medicines to patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The temporary service to support community pharmacies is available through the Community Development and Health Network and caters for those people unable to leave their home or are self-isolating and who do not have a family member, friend or local support network to get their medicines.

Welcoming the service, Minister Swann observed: “This new network of volunteers will ensure that all patients will continue to get their medicines.  We have already seen an excellent response from all sections of society to help the fightback against Covid-19. 

“This is another excellent example of voluntary action helping those in need and I commend the CDHN and the HSCB in delivering this.” 

Justice Minister Naomi Long flagged up services that are available for victims of domestic abuse if needed during the Covid-19 emergency.

Noting home was not always the safest place for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, Minister Long said help was available through the 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414 and could also be sought via the web and instant message.

“If you need to ring the PSNI but are too scared to speak, the ‘silent solution’ means you can call 999 and press 55 when prompted. This lets police know it is a genuine emergency,” the Minister added.

Education Minister Peter Weir thanked those with an education background who have volunteered to give urgent assistance to those schools supervising the care of vulnerable children and the children of key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Appealing to those who may be able to assist but have not volunteered, Minister Weir said they could still complete an application form on the Department of Education’s website.

He added: “I cannot stress enough how valuable your contribution will be, not only to our schools, but to society as a whole. To those who volunteer and to those who may not be called to help but still took the time to register their interest, I want to thank you all once again for your dedication and support in these very difficult times.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Northern Ireland Executive is producing a regular digest of key initiatives and decisions that have been undertaken by ministers and their Departments relating to the Coronavirus crisis.
2. Members of the public are encouraged to check regularly the Public Health Agency, nidirect, NI Executive and government departmental websites and social media channels for public health advice on how to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 Coronavirus.
3. Current information and advice in relation to Covid-19 can be found on the PHA website at: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus
4. Patients who have a persistent cough, or high temperature, together with any other members of their household must self-isolate according to the guidance on the PHA website at: www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus#what-should-i-do-if-i-think-i-have-coronavirus
5. The Department of Health NI has launched a new Covid-19 NI information app to provide people with immediate advice and links to vital trusted information. The app will be updated as the pandemic evolves. Download the Covid-19 NI app - search for Covid-19 NI on the Apple app store and Covid-19 NI on google play.
6. If you are in distress or despair at any time including the Covid-19 crisis, the 24/7 Lifeline helpline is available on 0808 808 8000 where trained counsellors are available to help you.
7. Anyone wishing to volunteer for health and social care support roles can do so via: www.hscworkforceappeal.co.uk/.
8. The Freephone Covid-19 Community Helpline can be accessed by telephone on 0808 802 0020; email covid1@adviceni.net or text ACTION to 81025. It is available 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm.
9. Volunteer Now has launched a new online campaign #HelpEachOther for those who wish to volunteer for Covid-19 related opportunities and for those organisations which require the support of volunteers to deliver their services to the most in need. Further information is available at: www.volunteernow.co.uk
10. A list of schools which are open for educational supervision is available on the Department of Education website: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/schools-open-supervised-learning-key-workers-children-and-vulnerable-children.
11. A link to the guidance on schools clustering is available here: www.education-ni.gov.uk/guidance-schools-cluster-arrangements
12. Forms for those applying to provide supervision to vulnerable children and the children of key workers can be accessed from the Department of Education website using the following link:  http://apps.education-ni.gov.uk/appc19vol/default.aspx
13. The Domestic and Sexual Abuse (DSA) helpline is available 24/7, for both men and women on 0808 8021414. It’s free and confidential.
14. Web chat is also available at dsahelpline.org or email help@dsahelpline.org.
15. For information on Women's Aid visit www.womensaidni.org or call 028 9024 9041, and for the Men’s Advisory Project (MAP) visit www.mapni.co.uk or call 028 9024 1929.
16. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via www.childline.org.uk
17. Details of the full range of support measures for businesses are at: www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/campaign/coronavirus-updates-support-your-business.
18. Media enquiries should be directed to the relevant department using the following email addresses. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.

• The Executive Office: Press.Office@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk 
• Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs: PressOffice.Group@daera-ni.gov.uk
• Department for Communities: Press.Office@communities-ni.gov.uk
• Department of Education: Press.Office@education-ni.gov.uk
• Department for the Economy: DfE.PressOffice@economy-ni.gov.uk
• Department of Finance: dof.pressoffice@finance-ni.gov.uk
• Department for Infrastructure: Press.Office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
• Department of Health: PressOffice@health-ni.gov.uk
• Department of Justice: Press.Office@justice-ni.x.gsi.gov.uk

Share this page