By 
IN the weeks leading up to Christmas, families across Omagh have been enjoying the light displays and festive images that have been projected on to the town’s historic courthouse.
The nightly projections have been part of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s ‘Christmas Lights Festival’, which is due to run until January 3.
But, with much tighter Covid-19 restrictions coming into force on Boxing Day, the council has decided to pause the courthouse light show and replace it with ‘Stay at Home’ public health messaging.
FODC chairwoman, Diana Armstrong, said, “Additional measures are being introduced on December 26 to help save lives and protect the health service. Covid-19 is spreading.
“It is crucial that we all follow the rules to protect ourselves, our loved ones and to ease the pressure on our health service.
“This Christmas we must all exercise extreme caution; limiting our social contacts and continuing to wash our hands, keeping our distance from others and wearing a face covering. These steps will help save lives.
“I appreciate it is hard, however I urge people to think very carefully about how they spend their Christmas this year so that we can all look forward to a brighter 2021 and a more normal Christmas next year.”
During the six-week lockdown, a number of council-owned venues will be closed to the public, including the four leisure centres and all outdoor sporting facilities as well as arts, culture and visitor attractions such as the Strule Arts Centre.
Council community centres will also be closed, except for childcare and essential health services.
Recycling centres are remaining open, but the council are urging people to only visit them if it is essential, while the household bin collection is scheduled to operate as normal.
Council public parks and open spaces, including public conveniences, are also remaining open.
But an FODC spokesperson said, “However, in line with guidance, residents are asked not to undertake any unnecessary travel during this time.
When using these facilities, please remember to adhere to social distancing and wash and sanitise your hands regularly.”
• To keep up-to-date with council services and access to facilities and venues, please visit the website at www.fermanaghomagh.com, follow the social media channels @fermanaghomagh or telephone the council on 0300 303 1777.
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