Concern in mid-west as Covid figures rise
The Department of Public Health Mid-West is encouraging people in Limerick who have symptoms, have concerns, or have been exposed to high-risk social settings to avail of the free walk-in and drive-through Covid-19 clinic in the city this week.
According to provisional data, Public Health Mid-West has recorded more than 680 Covid-19 cases in Limerick, more than 60 in Clare, and more than 30 in North Tipperary in the two week period between May 16 and May 30.
There has been a particular spike in Limerick cases over the past 10 days, including 90 cases on Friday, 53 cases on Saturday, and 59 cases on Sunday. This is the sharpest increase in Covid-19 cases since before the onset of the ‘third wave’ in December.
Reasons for this increase include:
•High-risk social indoor activity, including house parties, family and extended family gatherings and events, small to large household gatherings.
•Multi-household clusters as a result of social mixing
•Poor and inconsistent infection prevention and control practices at work, such as mask-wearing, social distancing, congregating at break/lunch time, and working while infectious. This has resulted in onward transmission.
•Outbreaks in creches, primary schools and secondary schools. The vast majority of outbreaks are linked to high incidence rate in their respective communities, family outbreaks, and social activity outside the school setting. We are aware that some children are attending school while infectious with mild symptoms.
Dr Mai Mannix, Director of Public Health Mid-West, said: “I would like to thank the people of Limerick for availing of free walk-in Covid-19 test clinic over the past week. This has allowed us to gauge and understand the extent of this situation, and to evaluate trends and behaviours that are contributing to this large community outbreak. While the figures are of serious concern as we face increasing pressure amid the cyber attack, I am hopeful that a strong community response of availing of walk-in testing, and being extra cautious with Public Health guidelines, will put us in a more secure position in the coming weeks. This was achieved following the community outbreak in Nenagh, and I know it can be done again.
“I would also like to appeal to the public to be considerate of students who are preparing for Leaving Cert exams next week. Unfortunately, any student who is a new confirmed case or a new close contact will be at risk of missing exams."
Information on walk-in and drive-through testing in Limerick
The free walk-in and drive-through Covid-19 testing clinic is located at St Joseph’s Health Campus, Mulgrave Street (Eircode V94 C8DV) which is operating until this Wednesday. No appointment is needed.
The walk-in and drive-through at Unit 6D Eastpoint Business Park, Ballysimon Road (V94 KN73) is self-referral from 8am to 4pm, and appointment only between 4pm and 7pm.
The facility at St Joseph's Health Campus will operate from 11am to 6.15pm until Wednesday, June 2nd inclusive. The free service is being led by the National Ambulance Service, with support from HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare and Public Health Mid-West.
At times over the past week, there have been significant queues at both testing clinics in Limerick. We advise the public to explore the options of availing self-referral walk-in clinics at the former Castlebrand Factory in Nenagh (9am to 7.45pm), and Block 1 Ballymalley Business Park in Ennis (12 noon to 6.40pm).
The service is for those who have Covid-19 symptoms and for people who are concerned that they may have been exposed to Covid infection in the past two weeks. Children can get tested if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. This service is within walking distance of many parts of the city centre. We encourage those living within Limerick City and environs to attend. You must bring a photo ID with you and provide us with a mobile phone number so we can contact you with your results.