Covid continues to impact local events

As we edge towards a reopening of society a rise in Covid cases both nationally and, to a lesser degree locally, is dampening the sense of a return to normality.

A number of community concerts planned for next month have been called off as a precautionary measure, while two club football fixtures were also hit last weekend.

Meanwhile representatives from the restaurant and bar sector will meet with Government officials later today to discuss guidelines ahead of the anticipated reopening of indoor hospitality next week. Time limits on indoor service in bars and restaurants are understood to be on the agenda alongside social distancing requirements, and air ventilation measures.

The expectation within Government is that indoor hospitality will reopen next week for fully vaccinated people, and those who have recovered from Covid-19.

The latest national figures recorded by the health authorities came on Monday, with 1017 confirmed cases of COVID-19 prompting Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer to observe: “While we continue to enjoy the good weather, we are unfortunately also continuing to see a rise in incidence of disease across all key indicators.

“Our 14-day incidence is now the highest it’s been since 24 February at 231/100,000. Our five-day average is 1,159 cases per day, the highest it’s been since 2 February.”

The national trend has not been as pronounced in County Cavan. The seven day average in Cavan as of July 18 is 106; the 14 day average is 141. In the seven days of July 13-19 inclusive there were 992 people tested at Castle Saunderson.

“We are not seeing a significant spike ourselves,” Cavan based GP Niall Collins told the Celt. “But you would be concerned about what's coming down the road, even though most things are looking great and it probably will be okay.”

Dr Collins said he would be keeping an eye on developments in the UK, as trends there are likely to be replicated in the Republic.

The HSE confirmed to the Celt that as of Tuesday, July 20, approximately 33,000 vaccines had been administered at the Cavan Vaccination Centre at the Hotel Kilmore.

Referring to the GP role in the vaccination programme, Dr Collins said: “GPs in the main are still doing their best to vaccinate as many people as possible before this potential fourth wave,” he said.

He added “it's crucial” anyone who has not so far been vaccinated, registers to get a jab.

Amongst the community events that have been impacted were concerts in Mullahoran and Killeshandra scheduled for August. Also, Granard Agricultural Show last week called off what would have been their 70th show, following the advice of the Irish Shows Association.

Football fixtures too have been impacted: the Gowna v Ballinagh match, and Lavey v Mullahoran games were both postponed.

The County board's Covid Officer Damien Galligan noted that there were a number of other clubs which reported cases, but because they had limited close contacts the fixtures could be played last weekend without the affected players.

Mr Galligan confirmed that all Gowna club activity was suspended for a week due to cases. They would reassess the situation. Meanwhile in Lavey there were a number of cases, but limited to the senior men's and senior reserve team. They are free to resume training this Thursday, and are eligible to fulfil fixtures this weekend.

“We would rather cancel a match than put anybody's health and safety at risk. Matches can be rearranged and we will work with clubs on that,” assured Mr Galligan.

He's anticipating a busy few weeks ahead.

“The government is expecting numbers to go up, so I would say rising numbers nationally is going to be reflected in GAA clubs. We will be communicating with clubs over the next day or two to remind our players of the protocol and ensure it doesn't get too out of hand.”