First Minister offers public praise as Covid-19 cases are cut in half

By Q Radio news

The First Minister has praised the public for helping halve the number of cases within a fortnight. 

Arlene Foster says case numbers are falling more day by day with the R number now as low as 0.65. 

She also revealed that over 144,000 people have now been vaccinated against COVID19 with all over 80s to be offered their first dose within days.  

However Mrs Foster defended extending current lockdown restrictions by another 4 weeks, and possibly even longer. 

(First Minister Arlene Foster)

First Minister has praised the public for helping halve the number of cases within a fortnight. https://t.co/iN1tBnKuuq

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 22, 2021

The current lockdown rules have been extended by another 4 weeks and could be in place for even longer. 

Both the First and Deputy First ministers have warned that the issue must be revisited to take account of a range of factors. 

That will happen on the 18th of February. 

Michelle O’Neill says what we all do next will play a big role in their decision making. 

(Deputy First Minister, Michelle O'Neill)