Emergency group urges Donegal to ‘keep guard up’

The North West Major Emergency Management Interagency Group issued the rare joint message along with a cautious welcome that the incidence rate of COVID19 in the county has come down slightly in recent weeks.

“This is welcome but as the country has now moved from level 5 to level 3 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,” the group, comprised of the Health Service Executive, An Garda Síochána and Donegal County Council, said in a joint statement.

In the 14 days to December 1 there were 338 new positive cases in Donegal and 212.3 cases of Covid-19 per 100,0000. The authorities warned that this “far exceeds the national 14-Day incidence rate of 84.7 cases per 100,000 of the population”.

The HSE’s hospital and community services in Donegal County Council area and An Gardai said they are working through emergency management structures to co-ordinate the community response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Dr Anthony Breslin, NW Director of Public Health stated: “As we move out of level 5 into level 3 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. 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.”

Sean Murphy, manager Letterkenny University Hospital, which has recently been dealing with a COVID outbreak among staff, said: “We know the incidence of COVID-19 is very high in the community in County Donegal and on behalf of LUH I cannot emphasise enough how critical it is for all of us to follow the HSE’s public health advice”.

Chief Superintendent for the Donegal Garda Division, and Chair of the Group Terry McGinn 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. We need to heed the public health advice to not have visitors to our homes, outside of any necessary visitors in a support bubble, until December 18.”

The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council John McLaughlin said: “As restrictions are eased It is up to every person, individually, to remain alert to the spread of this disease, to assess the risk that is involved in any social activity.”