Green Party NI calls for an emergency all island Covid-19 respond

Friday 13 March 2020

Green Party NI Leader Clare Bailey MLA has commented on Government policy responses to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Clare Bailey MLA said: “It’s time for a Covid-19 island wide response plan and a disaster recovery plan to deal with the fall out of this crisis for our citizens. 

“We know that schools will close at some point, yet there is no plan for working parents or families facing loss of income. We know that many small businesses face going to the wall, yet there is no mitigation measures in place for SMEs. We know that people in housing stress may struggle against eviction or homelessness and there is no sign of a safety net. 

“The scientific and public health experts are quite clear on how this virus will affect the population. The Prime Minister warned that we will lose loved ones. We only need to look to other nations to see how this crisis will unfold.  

“Governments and policy makers must take urgent action and initiate emergency social policies to lessen the fall out of this crisis for our citizens. In Northern Ireland, that means an island wide response which prioritises those most at risk across our society.”