‘Joined up messaging key to driving down virus numbers in NW’ – Cross border meeting hears

Strong partnership working, the sharing of information, and joined up messaging are key to driving down COVID-19 numbers across the North West.

That was the message from the latest discussion between the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council and the Mayors of Derry City and Strabane District Council.

It comes as Donegal’s 14 day incidence rate of the virus has dropped from being the highest in the country for the first time in weeks.

12 new Covid cases were confirmed in the county last evening with the rate of infection now standing at 240.6 cases per 100,000 people.

Members and officials from both councils who attended the meeting were briefed on current COVID 19 infection rates across the respective Council areas, and the proactive work being done by both Councils.

While concern was expressed at the high infection rate in both Council areas, there was general acknowledgement that compliance was high across the region, with the majority of the public adhering to the guidelines and taking all the necessary steps in order to keep each other safe.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Brian Tierney said the region faced challenges as a result of the variance in the lifting of restrictions but that he was confident people on both sides of the border were acting responsibly.

Cllr Rena Donaghey acknowledged the huge amount of work being done by the two Councils, the statutory agencies and health bodies on both sides of the border. She said the strong partnership approach and collaborative work to respond to the COVID 19 numbers in the region was key in reducing the rate of infection.

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