Health Minister Robin Swann has thanked the sporting community for delivering a strong ‘stay at home’ message on social media in the ongoing fight against coronavirus.
Northern Ireland footballers, GAA stars, superbike champion Jonathan Rea and boxers Carl Frampton and Paddy Barnes have all taken to Twitter to urge a common sense approach by the public.
Local media broadcasters and celebrities Stephen Watson, Jackie Fullerton, Pete Snodden and Liam Beckett have also rolled in behind the campaign using the #FightBack hashtag.
The Health Minister, who warned last week that up to 15,000 people in Northern Ireland could lose their lives to the virus, said: “We are in this together and as a society we must do the right thing.
“The #FightBack campaign is really getting the message across and I want to thank all those involved."
Five-time world superbike champion Rea said Northern Ireland had reached a “critical time” in its efforts to combat the virus and protect the local NHS.
“We need to act fast to take pressure off our nurses and doctors,” he said. “Being off school doesn’t mean being with your mates and having massive social gatherings.”
Olympian Paddy Barnes warned that those who ignore the advice risk putting the lives of their “parents, grandparents and friends” in danger.
Northern Ireland and Leeds United winger Stuart Dallas added: “We need to sacrifice these next couple of months - if we do that we can save lives.”
Antrim senior county football captain Declan Lynch warned young people that "we are in the middle of a crisis" and added: "Everyone of us has a family member in the vulnerable category.
"I am urging you to think of them - not yourself - whenever you are thinking of going outdoors."
Veteran broadcaster Jackie Fullerton, who is voluntarily self-isolating at home in Ballymena, said it was vital to listen to the advice of the health authorities in these "exceptional times”.
“All of us have a part to play to save lives and protect the NHS,” he said. “I’m a grandfather of six and I miss them badly, but we have to follow the guidance and rules very closely.
“We have to avoid direct contact with our children and our grandchildren. We have to be part of the fightback because it is a battle we have to win.”
Northern Ireland internationals Niall McGinn and Michael McGovern and former Northern Ireland captain Jim Magilton also posted messages on Twitter.
The Health Minister has urged the public to continue following the advice - "wash your hands, stay at home and if you must go out at any point, physically distance yourselves.”
A selection of the #FightBack Tweets can be viewed below...
