SERVICES
HSE Public Health North East, An Garda Síochána, Cavan and Monaghan County Council urge the public to stay at home and protect our communities.
The Department of Public Health North East, An Garda Síochána, Cavan and Monaghan County Councils are appealing to the people of Cavan and Monaghan to exert extra efforts in tackling COVID-19 in their communities, to continue to abide by the restrictions by staying at home and following public health advice to stop the spread of the virus.
11,764 COVID-19 cases were reported in the North East in 2020 (up to 31/12/2020). Our provisional data indicates that 12,463 COVID-19 cases were reported in the region since the beginning of this year (up to 30/01/2021). There have been more cases reported in January 2021, than in the whole of 2020.
In the last 14 days (up to 30/01/2021), there have been 369 new cases of COVID-19 in Cavan and 657 cases in Monaghan.
Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East said, “We are seeing a slight decrease in daily infection rates. When the number of new COVID-19 cases decrease, our natural inclination is to drop our guard, which leads to more cases in the community. So long as COVID-19 remains widespread in our community, it continues to present a high risk for our vulnerable population, particularly those in our hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities.”
“This latest surge of COVID-19 infections in the community is putting greater pressure on our health services across the region. As our health services treat a significant number of patients with COVID-19, it is essential, now more than ever, that we continue to play our part to bring the infection rates down to suppress the spread of this virus.”
“Whilst it seems that this virus is relentless, there is a brighter horizon ahead. The vaccine is currently being rolled out in nursing homes and amongst frontline healthcare workers across the region, for now we need to hold firm” he added.
Chief Superintendent for the Cavan/Monaghan Garda Division, Aidan Glacken said, “I want to thank the public for their continued cooperation throughout this pandemic, particularly in the last number of weeks, we know it has been extremely hard on people.”
“While we are seeing some improvements in the COVID-19 transmission rates, as a result of the public engaging positively and heeding the advice of our public health officials, there is still a long way to go. A small number of people are putting themselves, their loved ones and everyone they come into contact with at risk by not complying with public health regulations.”
“People undertaking non-essential journeys are liable for a fine of €100. In addition, Gardaí can now issue people with a fine for organising a party in their house or for attending such a gathering. The fine for organising a house party is €500 and attending a house party is €150.”
“An Garda Síochána continues to provide support for the public health measures through high visibility patrolling, checkpoints, and by providing assistance the most vulnerable in our communities enabling them to stay home and stay safe. All these efforts are being undertaken to protect our communities and save lives.”
Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Mr Tommy Ryan has hailed the efforts of the community in turning the tide against the virus and urged continued vigilance in the coming weeks and months. “We have seen over the past week how the sacrifices and solidarity of communities across Cavan have started to drive down case numbers, but we are not yet where we need to be,” said Mr Ryan.
“Our health system locally, and nationally, is still under great strain following the resurgence of the virus and so, I urge the people of Cavan to continue to heed public health advice and to stay at home to help stop community transmission of COVID-19.
For those who are medically vulnerable or otherwise isolated, remember that help is at hand. If you require assistance with essentials such as shopping, medicine, or transport to essential appointments, the Cavan Community Call Helpline can assist you. Call Freephone 1800 300 404 or email covidsupport@cavancoco.ie for assistance. Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday,” he added.
Eamonn O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, said “This is a very difficult time for everyone, however we must continue to work together to get the virus under control. It is important that you follow public health advice and unless it is absolutely essential, please stay at home. Our health services are operating at full capacity and by working together we can help to reduce the additional burden placed on them.
We all have a part to play in reducing transmission of this disease in our community, and I must reinforce the message to ‘Stay at Home’. If anyone needs assistance, practical support or someone to talk to, I would ask them to call the Monaghan COVID-19 Community Helpline free on 1800 804 158 or email covidsupport@monaghancoco.ie for assistance. We can get through this together, if we all do our part and adhere to public health guidance.”
The most important action we can take to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 is to follow the public health advice:
– stay at home, other than for essential reasons
– ensure regular hand washing
– practice good respiratory hygiene
– keep 2m between yourself and other people
– avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
– wear a mask
More information and advice on COVID-19 is available at www.hse.ie/coronavirus or visit https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/surveillance/covid-19outbreaksclustersinireland/