Next phase of Covid-19 public information campaign launched

Date published: 4 June 2020

Print, broadcasting, outdoor and digital media channels are being deployed in the campaign that urges citizens to follow the advice to ‘Stay Safe; Save Lives’ and ‘Work Safe; Save Lives’.

Messaging will encourage the public to: stay at home as much as possible to stop the spread of the virus; limit contact with others; keep your distance if going out; wash your hands well and often; work from home where possible.

Part of the campaign will focus on the Test, Trace and Protect policy and telling the public not to leave home if anyone in the household has Covid-19 symptoms.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: “The Executive has now started on the tentative journey out of lockdown towards recovery and our public information campaign needs to reflect that changing reality.

“We need to keep people safe by reminding them that Covid-19 is still in the community and that their actions - of keeping their distance, of good hand hygiene - will save many lives.

“At the same time, we recognise that the fight against the virus has entered into a different phase, and with more relaxations come greater freedom. We are encouraging the public to continue to act responsibly, to stay safe and save lives.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The Executive’s priority in our response to, and recovery from, the Covid-19 emergency is saving lives while protecting livelihoods and looking after the wider health and wellbeing of our people.

“We are moving in a positive direction as we cautiously make our way through our five-step pathway to recovery.

“The public have been brilliant in following the public health advice and their actions have saved many lives. We’re asking that you continue to follow the advice, to do the right thing to protect yourself, your family, the health service and all those who are working to keep us safe.

“So we’re saying that as we make further relaxations to the restrictions, stay at home as much as possible, adhere to the social distancing and good hand hygiene and work from home if you can. By following this advice we can all stay safe and save lives.”

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “With the battle against the virus in a new phase, it’s not just a matter of urging people to stay at home anymore.

“Staying at home is still part of what is needed. It is absolutely essential for anyone who has Covid-19 to stay at home.

“People should also continue to work from home if possible. Restrictions also remain on contacts with people outside of your household.

“The Executive has made a number of minor changes to the Regulations and further changes will only be possible if we can keep the virus under control. To do that, we need people to make the right choices in the weeks and months ahead.”