Over the course of the week, many local events have been cancelled and facilities in Fermanagh have been closed in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

In a statement on Sunday, March 15, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council announced the temporary closure of its four leisure centres as a precautionary response to coronavirus.

The Chair of the Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie, said: “While we acknowledge that this course of action is not currently recommended by the Public Health Agency, this decision has been taken due to growing public concern regarding Covid-19 and public congregation. The safety of the public and Council staff is paramount and the Council continues to review the operation of all its services and facilities and will update accordingly.”

She continued: “This is an unprecedented time for our community. I urge people to keep safe, look out for your neighbour and keep in contact with those who are most vulnerable in our society to ensure they have everything they need.” The precautionary closure applies to the Council’s four leisure centres - Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown; Castle Park Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea; Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen and Omagh Leisure Complex and associated outdoor facilities.

The Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, the Right Worshipful Brother Edward Stevenson, has written to the members of the Orange Institution directing that all activities should cease with immediate effect in response to the latest developments surrounding the spread of Covid-19. The letter, which has been issued in a direct response to the Prime Minister’s appeal to limit social interaction, instructs members that all meetings, Church services, events and parades of the Orange Institution should stop immediately and until further notice.

The Grand Master said: “I appreciate that our culture and traditions are very much a way of life for the Orange family, however in light of the current situation, we must all prioritise the safety of not only our members, but of the entire community. As an all island organisation, we ask all members to follow fully the individual health advice of their respective Governments.”

The Rotary Club of Enniskillen has postponed their Charity Breakfast in the Killyhevlin Hotel on Saturday, March 21, following a statement from the Rotary District cancelling all meetings and events until March 30. A spokesman on behalf of the Rotary Club of Enniskillen said: “We are disappointed to postpone this event in aid of two worthy local charities, the RNLI and Riding for the Disabled but I am sure everyone agrees with the decision at this time. We will rearrange the Breakfast event later in the year and we wish to thank all those who contributed donations to the event.”

The Fermanagh Gardening Society announced the cancellation of their Annual Daffodil and Spring Show which was due to be held in the Cathedral Hall on Saturday, March 28. The IMC cinema in Enniskillen has also made the decision to close. They said: “We will be closed with immediate effect from Tuesday, March 17 until Sunday, March 29.This decision has been taken in the interests of the health and welfare of everyone and will be reviewed regularly in line with further Government directives.”