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STUDENT activity and a “large outbreak” at Limerick University Hospital are cited as the main reasons for an increase in Covid-19 cases in Limerick.
More than 460 cases of the disease have been reported in the city and county over the past two weeks, and 85 were reported on Monday alone, the highest daily figure since the pandemic began.
Tonight, the Health Department confirmed that another 22 confirmed cases were reported in Limerick.
As of this Wednesday, Limerick has the second highest 14-day incidence rate in the country and only Donegal has a higher rate.
Speaking at a news conference Monday, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn confirmed there is concern about the numbers locally.
“There is a large hospital-related outbreak in Limerick so we are seeing cases in the community related to that outbreak and we have also seen a very large outbreak related to student activity in Limerick,” he said.
While Dr. Glynn did not elaborate, a Limerick GP says she is aware of “a lot of parties” that have taken place over the past two weeks.
Dr. Miriam Murphy, who works at the Cara Center in Newcastle West, told RTÉ Radio that there is a problem with people who socialize.
“I know a lot of parties are held on a regular basis. I myself have three teenage children and students, and I am aware that many children and young adults miss their friends and are looking forward to the party, ”she said.
The Limerick Leader has been contacted by multiple parents in recent days and it is understood that several high school students have been absent from school in the past fortnight due to Covid-19.
In one case, a fifth-year student who attended a party tested positive for Covid and left school due to illness. Several of her classmates also skipped school, as they were considered to be close contacts. Similar incidents have been reported at various schools in Limerick.
Images of a party, where students from a school met in a house, have been widely shared on social media.
In response to an inquiry from the Limerick Leader, the Midwest Department of Public Health confirmed that there have been a number of contributing factors associated with Covid-19 cases in Limerick over the past week, namely outbreaks in care settings. medical; outbreaks among the student population; private homes; between extended families, in residential care settings; and in the workplace.
Dr. Mai Mannix, director of the Midwest Department of Public Health, urges the people of Limerick to redouble their efforts to suppress community transmission of the virus.
“The people of Limerick have demonstrated numerous times how an entire county can stop the transmission of Covid-19, and I know we can re-establish that trend at this crucial time. By following basic guidelines, such as limiting social interactions, physically distancing ourselves at least six feet, wearing face masks, and practicing good hand hygiene frequently, we will suppress the virus in our community. This, in turn, will prevent outbreaks in healthcare settings and nursing homes, and protect the most vulnerable, ”he said.
Dr Mannix added that while the vast majority of people follow public health advice, it is the behavior of a few that is contributing to the increase in cases in Limerick.
She is particularly attractive to people who have Covid-19 symptoms to isolate themselves.
“We have seen evidence of people reporting to their workplace while showing symptoms of Covid-19. This can and has caused flare-ups in work settings, so it is important that if you feel you are having symptoms, you contact your GP to arrange a swab test and immediately restrict your movements, “he said.
“In many cases, while staff for the most part adhere to physical distancing guidelines, we are seeing situations where people congregate in groups during recess. This shouldn’t be happening. Unfortunately, some places work do not realize behaviors until they are notified of their first case, “he added.
The Midwest Department of Public Health has also seen evidence that some people in the Midwest region do not restrict their movements and isolate themselves while waiting for a test result.
“It is absolutely essential that people awaiting results stay home and self-isolate to avoid the possibility of spreading the virus, should they later test positive. If you live with someone and expect a result, you should also restrict your movements, “said Dr. Mannix.
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