Coronavirus outbreaks in 51 nursing homes, with 19 infected employees and residents in one facility



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There are 51 nursing homes with outbreaks of Covid-19, including a facility in Kerry where 19 employees and residents have contracted the virus, Minister for the Elderly Mary Butler confirmed today.

he outbreak occurs at the Oaklands Nursing Home, a privately run facility in Listowel in Kerry.

When contacted by Independent.ie, a spokesperson said they could not comment at this time.

Minister Butler said there is currently a problem getting agency staff for nursing homes.

He told the Oireachtas health committee that the HSE has sent staff to several private nursing homes that have been affected by the virus and whose workers have had to isolate themselves.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said 500,000 more doses of the flu vaccine have arrived in the country and are about to be distributed.

There is a high level of demand for the vaccine this year, but deliveries were delayed.

Some 300,000 doses of the children’s flu vaccine have been distributed and another 300,000 are also ready, he added.

When asked about masks and visors, he said: “Visors don’t work. Stop using them. “

There is a constant concern that the rate at which the virus is decreasing in Dublin is lower than in other counties. The plan is now to send mobile test units to the north and south-west part of Dublin.

Online editors

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