Arlene Foster issues statement on opposition to "full lockdown” - Belfast Live

First Minister says “if we need support from other parts of the United Kingdom" including the military they will support Health Minister.

The statement also says that “if we need support from other parts of the United Kingdom and, or, the military we will be prepared to support the Health Minister in asking for it”.

In her statement, Mrs Foster says: “Over the last number of days I have received many messages from people about the situation in Northern Ireland.

Many are concerned about their health or that of their loved ones, many are anxious and in some cases despondent about their jobs and businesses and above everything people want to see an end to the Covid-19 pandemic and all the restrictions on their lives.

There are 289 people in hospitals across Northern Ireland being treated for the effects of the virus, with 32 in intensive care and 26 of those needing assistance to breath from a ventilator as of Tuesday evening.

“This pandemic has already cost too many lives, too many restrictions on our liberties and within our families and too many jobs, businesses and shattered dreams.

Our health service, already in need of reform prior to Covid-19, is struggling to cope with the burdens of the pandemic as well the need to treat everyday patients.

Mrs Foster added: “Looking forward, it is vital that plans and actions to take Northern Ireland through this pandemic are built on the foundation that this virus will be with us for some time ahead and society must be able to co-exist with it.

For our part if we need support from other parts of the United Kingdom and, or, the military we will be prepared to support the Health Minister in asking for it.

Every person in Northern Ireland can make a difference in the days, weeks and months ahead