121 deaths in Border residential facilities

There has been 121 deaths associated with outbreaks of Covid 19 in residential facilities in the Border region.

That includes 20 confirmed deaths in three HSE long term care residential facilities for Older Persons in Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1, which includes Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo).

Among them were six deaths counted at the Virginia Community Nursing Unit, Cavan.

The two other affected were in Co Donegal- The Rock Community Nursing Unit, Ballyshannon, Killybegs Community Hospital.

Despite reports, there have been no Covid related deaths in either Lisdarn Community Nursing Unit or St Marys, Castleblayney.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to their families and friends and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time,” a spokesperson for the HSE said.

They added that there has been a large number of outbreaks of Covid-19 across Older Persons Residential Services in Ireland.

“In CHO 1 our Covid- 19 Outbreak Control Team actively manages all outbreaks within residential settings, Older Persons, Disability and Mental Health. Each facility continues to receive significant supports and advice that range from ensuring adequate medical care needs of residents; staffing levels; personal protective equipment; and how to safely implement the Infection Prevention and Control guidance. Across all residential and community services  Infection Prevention and Control procedures have been implemented in line with Public Health Medicine advice and best practice guidelines.”