SERVICES
The Department of Public Health North-East would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the people of Cavan and Monaghan for their efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic this year.
Our team of public health professionals and contact tracers have been working tirelessly on the frontline and managing cases and outbreaks across various settings, including households, healthcare and residential settings, workplaces, social events, schools and more, since the first case in the region was detected in March and we thank you all for your co-operation, courage and sacrifice.
Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North-East said; “We are grateful to all our staff during this difficult time and want to say a huge thank you for their work to manage this pandemic. We remember all those who sadly passed away due to COVID-19 and their grieving families”.
The Department of Public Health North-East are urging the people of Cavan and Monaghan to play their part by keeping their guard up over the Christmas period to help reduce the number of cases in the region.
The latest national data published last night highlights that the number of cases is increasing more rapidly than had been anticipated. Cavan have an incidence rate in the county of 177.2 per 100,000 population with 135 new cases in the 14 days up to midnight on Sunday. In Monaghan, there have been 91 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
COVID-19 is still very much here, so even as the green shoots of hope start to come through, we need to continue to keep our guard up. Christmas will be a little different this year, but when we keep our distance when visiting others, using public transport or doing our Christmas shopping, we are protecting ourselves and those around us.
Dr Augustine Pereira said ”The pandemic is far from over, and for as long as the virus is among us, we ask that the people of Cavan and Monaghan to hold firm. In this festive season of goodwill, let’s not share the virus, but show we care by following the core public health guidelines; limiting social contacts, keeping a physical distance of two metres, wearing a mask, frequently washing hands, and adhering to proper cough and sneeze etiquette.”
“The public need to follow public health guidelines even if their symptoms are mild, as cases with mild symptoms are not always aware of their potential infectivity and go on to unwittingly infect others who they come into close contact. We are reminding people that have COVID-19 symptoms of the necessity to isolate themselves from everyone and contact a GP.”
“We can prevent more cases if we follow public health guidelines. Our priority is to ensure the people of Cavan and Monaghan enjoy a safe and healthy Christmas period after what has been an extremely difficult year. We need to protect our most vulnerable and avoid un-necessary illnesses and deaths this winter.”
If you’re concerned about any symptoms, stay at home and contact your GP.
If you’re waiting for a test or the results of a test, stay at home, away from others.
Your household contacts must also stay at home while you are waiting for the result of your test.
If you’re the close contact of a case – stay at home and restrict your movements for 14 days
If you receive a positive test result – you need to stay at home, and isolate yourself from others for 10 days. For more information go to www.hse.ie/coronavirus
The most important action we can take to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 is to follow the public health advice:
– ensure regular hand washing,
– practice good respiratory hygiene,
– keep two metres between yourself and other people,
– avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth,
– wear a mask where indicated in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces,
– and download the COVID Tracker App.
As per the Government’s announcement earlier this month, special arrangements for Christmas came into effect on December 18 until January 6. For more information, see www.gov.ie/SafeChristmas .
Let’s stay safe this Christmas.
#SafeChristmas #StoptheSpread #NorthEastTogether