By Q Radio news
The health minister has been reflecting on the impact of the pandemic exactly one year after the first case of COVID19 was confirmed in Northern Ireland.
Robin Swann claims delayed decisions and party politicking has undermined the public health message at various times - undoubtedly costing lives.
He’s adamant that the current lockdown should be the last however he’s also warning that the coronavirus still poses a very real threat.
More than half a million people in Northern Ireland have had a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Mr. Swann says the region is in a "much better place" one year on.
First Minister Arlene Foster has also urged people NOT to become complacent this close to the finish line.
(Health minister Robin Swann)
UK and Irish ministers to meet amid row over migration
Three men set to go on trial for murder of journalist Lyra McKee
Swann refuses to rule out resigning if budget is not changed
Fresh inquests ordered into deaths of 15 killed in McGurk’s bomb blast