Workers who died during covid fight remembered

A MINUTE’S silence took place at hospitals across the North today remembering those who have lost their lives at work, or from work-related injury and diseases. 

Today is International Workers’ Memorial Day, April 28 and this year the focus was on staff who have lost their lives in the course of their work due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier today, First and Deputy First ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill, local councillors, and MLA’s, joined with NHS staff and other key workers at Dungannon’s South Tyrone Hospital for a minute’s silence.

A minute’s silence was also held across the Western Trust as colleagues remembered those who sadly lost their lives and thanked all those who continue to attend work in challenging circumstances to help others.

Speaking after observing the minute’s silence, Sinn Féin MLA Colm Gildernew said health workers and all frontline workers deserve our support as they put themselves at risk in the battle against COVID-19.

Colm Gildernew said, “It was a privilege to join healthcare workers to observe a minute’s silence at South Tyrone Hospital to mark International Workers’ Memorial Day.

“This year is poignant as workers are on the frontline in the fightback against COVID-19 and those who lost their lives in the coronavirus pandemic.

“Today is about showing solidarity, support and applauding frontline workers as they put themselves at risk in the battle against COVID-19.”