Vaccine progress should spell end of lockdown – Sugden

As Northern Ireland passes the 1,000,000 mark in the vaccine roll-out, independent MLA Claire Sugden has said our “incredible” progress will give comfort to people and businesses and should enable us to soon open up from lockdown.
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“The rate of vaccination in Northern Ireland has been amazing – one of the best in the world – and both those on the front line and behind the scenes in the programme should be given the credit and thanks they deserve,” Ms Sugden said.

“Infection and hospitalisation rates have been driven way down, paving the way for a re-opening of business and a more normal way of life.

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“Schools have been able to open already – one of the cornerstones of opening up the rest of the economy and allowing working parents to get back to their jobs.”

Claire SugdenClaire Sugden
Claire Sugden

Businesses, however, needed to be told as soon as possible when they might expect to be able to re-open, Ms Sugden said.

“We can all see the figures moving in the right way in terms of COVID,” she continued. “Many businesses, however, have only seen theirs worsen in terms of income and expenditure. Some businesses will take days or weeks to prepare and they must have dates first in order to get ready and organise stock, as we have seen in other parts of the UK.

“There are many reasons to be hopeful. We need to turn that hope into real, positive change for business owners, the wider economy and our own lives, while taking into account any issues or concerns employees and the more vulnerable might have.”WEB