'reckless' uk coronavirus plan blasted by sinn fein leader

The UK Government is yet to ban large gatherings, close schools or order any form of restrictions on businesses and public transport to tackle the coronavirus crisis. The plan has been

criticised by many in the scientific and political communities, especially as it raises important issues on the island of Ireland with Northern Ireland following Boris Johnson's plan

and the Republic of Ireland issuing much stricter measures. Sinn Fein leader Mayr Lou McDonald branded the UK's lack of restrictive measures "reckless".  Speaking to BBC Radio

5 Live Politics, she said: “It’s a big ask on families and communities to do the necessary things to keep ourselves and each other safe but meanwhile this is happening in one part of the

island and the north of Ireland thus far has been following the advice coming from London. “And there is a division of opinion naturally, within even the northern executive itself because

those of us who are applying common sense, which is a necessary ingredient in managing any emergency, know that we can only be successful on a small island if we have a single unified

approach. “We can’t cope with two sets of medical advice. “One of which, if you don’t mind me saying, what we are hearing coming from London is hugely alarming. “The idea that herd immunity

would be the driving concept in dealing with this public health emergency is hugely, hugely worrying. READ MORE: US TO EXTEND EUROPE TRAVEL BAN TO INCLUDE UK AND IRELAND “I would describe it

as reckless, actually.” It comes as the Irish Government has advised that indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people should be cancelled in response to the deadly virus outbreak. Irish

premier Leo Varakdar warned the Government is considering seeking special powers to shut down pubs and clubs in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Taoiseach tweeted: "No indoor

mass gatherings of more than 100 people applies to pubs & clubs. “Have asked NPHET for further expert guidance on this. May seek enforcement powers from Dail/Seanad. And Ireland’s Health

Minister Simon Harris said it was an “insult” to the efforts of healthcare workers. He retweeted a video of people crammed into Dublin's Temple Bar on Saturday and said: “Not far from

here, nurses & doctors are working to prepare for the impact of a global pandemic. “Everyone is working 24/7. This is an insult to their efforts. “There is very clear public health

advice. Follow it. All options will be kept under constant review.” Mary Lou McDonald also called on people to avoid socialising in pubs and to cut social contact to a minimum.