Mid-west Covid concerns: health chiefs urge public to be vigilant

The Mid-West Major Emergency Management Group is asking people in Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary to enjoy the Bank Holiday Weekend safely and responsibly to halt the spread of Covid-19 in the community.

In the two weeks leading up to June 2nd, there has been an increase of more than 800 cases in Limerick, 48 cases in Clare, and 32 cases in North Tipperary.

According to provisional data for June 2nd, there were 103 new Covid-19 cases in Limerick, seven cases in Clare, and fewer than five cases in North Tipperary.

While Covid-19 situation remains stable in Clare and North Tipperary, weekends and occasions with increased activity have led to significant increases in infection levels due to intensified social mixing and organised social gatherings.

The vast majority of new Covid-19 cases in the past two weeks have been associated with indoor gatherings, house parties, household visits, family gatherings, and largely indoor activity.

With the current high incidence rate in the Mid-West, indoor gatherings outside Public Health guidelines are considered high-risk and have had significant knock-on effects in the community, including in workplaces and schools.

As Leaving Certificate exams commence next Wednesday, June 9th, we ask the public to be extra conscious of their activity, as students who become new confirmed cases or new close contacts will miss a number of scheduled exams.

The HSE self-referral walk-in and drive-through Covid-19 test centre will continue to operate until next Wednesday, June 9, from 11am to 7pm (see details below for Mid-West test centres). This free service is led by the National Ambulance Service, with the support of HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare and Public Health Mid-West.

Dr Mai Mannix, Director of Public Health Mid-West, said: “We are cognisant of the fact that many people will be looking forward to enjoying the long weekend, especially as the hospitality sector starts to reopen. However, I would like to appeal everyone to continue following Public Health guidelines when meeting with friends and family; to stay outdoors, wear masks, socially distance, limit your contacts, and avoid crowded or congested areas to reduce your risk of catching Covid-19.

“With regards the high incidence rate in Limerick, we are currently going through a period of active case finding, allowing us to track, trace, and follow the disease in the region. Things will get worse before they get better, but we are hopeful we will overcome this outbreak with the help of the public availing of walk-in testing and adhering to Public Health guidelines."

Colette Cowan, CEO, UL Hospitals Group, added: “We are making great progress with the vaccination programme but a significant proportion of the population does not have that protection. People in all age groups are at risk of becoming severely ill due to Covid-19. A sustained high incidence in Covid-19 transmission across the Mid-West has the potential to cause severe disruption in our hospitals when they are attempting to recover from a devastating cyber attack that has already resulted in significant cancellations and delays for patients.”

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Councillor Michael Smith said: “As we continue to ease out of restrictions and look forward to the June Bank Holiday weekend, it is important that we continue to adhere to public health guidance and keep physical distance from others, wash hands regularly, avoid crowds and wear face coverings. Every action you take is another layer of protection between you and the virus and the more layers you have, the more protection you have. Let’s stick to the measures that we know will work to reduce the incidence of the disease.”

Members of the Mid-West Major Emergency Management Group include

·         Clare County Council

·         Clare Garda Division

·         HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare

·         Limerick City and County Council

·         Limerick Garda Division

·         Public Health Mid-West

·         Tipperary County Council

·         Tipperary Garda Division

·         UL Hospitals Group

Self-referral walk-in/drive-through Covid-19 test centres in Mid-West

Ballysimon Road, Limerick City (Unit 6D Eastpoint Business Park, V94 KN73)

Self-referral from 8am to 4pm

St Joseph’s Health Campus, Mulgrave Street (former St Joseph's Hospital,

V94 N4C0)

Self-referral from 11am to 6.15pm (June 3rd to June 9th)

Nenagh (Former Castlebrand Factory, Tyone, E45 TY04)

Self-referral from 9am to 7.45pm

Ennis (Block 1, Ballymalley Business Park, V95 Y981)

Self-referral from 12pm to 6pm