The Chief Constable has warned that “public protests at this time will endanger lives”.
In a series of tweets in the wake of Wednesday’s Black Lives Matter protest at Belfast City Hall, the PSNI boss said he was “appalled” at the actions that lead to George Floyd’s death.
But Simon Byrne also expressed concern at the protest which comes as significant lockdown restrictions remain in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The protest was attended by several hundred people, many of whom were standing well within two metres of each other. Some wore masks, while others did not.
Social media reaction to the event was mixed with some showing support for the cause while expressing reservations about the nature of it given the call for people not to gather in large numbers and to social distance to slow the spread of Coronavirus.
This morning, the Public Health Agency’s head of health protection Dr Gerry Waldron warned public gatherings increased the risk to the population from coronavirus.
He told Good Morning Ulster: “We’ve got to bear in mind that the virus hasn’t got any conscience and, doesn’t recognise good causes. Unfortunately, people that congregate in large groups, even if they’re trying to maintain social distancing, put themselves and others in that group at risk.”
