Appeal to people of Cavan and Monaghan to keep Covid at bay
The incidence rate of COVID-19 in counties of Cavan and Monaghan has come down in recent weeks and the Health Services Executive (HSE) has issued a statement thanking the communities of Cavan and Monaghan for their hard work and efforts in working together to reduce the number of new cases of the virus.
The statement by the North East Major Emergency Management Interagency Group is also appeals to people keep up their guard to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect lives in our communities.
"As the country has now moved from Level Five to Level Three restrictions, it is more important now than ever that we continue to build upon this good work. It is difficult but we need to keep up our guard, play our part and work with our families and communities to stop the spread of Covid-19," reads the statement.
In the last 14 days to December 1, there were: 41 new confirmed cases in County Cavan and 65 positive test results in County Monaghan.
The 14-Day incidence rate of COVID-19 nationally now stands at 84.7 cases per 100,000 of the population. For Cavan the rate is 53.8 and, in Monaghan, it is 105.9 cases per 100,000.
The HSE’s hospital and community services in Cavan and Monaghan County Council and An Garda Síochána are working together through emergency management structures to co-ordinate the community response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Today they issued the appeal to the citizens of Cavan and Monaghan to continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health in the North East stated: “As we move out of Level Five into Level Three restrictions and we prepare for Christmas, I would urge everyone to go about their daily lives in a safe manner. Please make sure you social distance, wear a face covering and wash your hands and follow coughing or sneezing etiquettes. We know these measures work.”
She is also asking people to consider closely who they meet. “Please also prioritise who you plan to meet as this is our first winter with Covid and the risks of transmission in winter months are high. Until we have a vaccine and better protection of our vulnerable population, we cannot afford to let our guard down,” said Dr Pereira.
Chief Superintendent for the Monaghan Garda Division, Aidan Glacken said: “An Garda Síochána are appealing to the public over the next number of weeks to stay at home unless their journey is absolutely essential. We are asking the public to drive down the virus by thinking twice before driving for non-essential purposes.”
The Chief Executive of Cavan County Council Tommy Ryan added: “This is a very difficult time for everyone, we need to get the virus under control. If anyone needs assistance, I would ask them to call the Covid 19 Community Helpline. We can get through this together, if we all do our part and adhere to the guidelines.”