CONFIRMATION that there are now 25 cases of Covid-19 confirmed in the Skellig Star direct provision centre in Caherciveen has led to fears for the health and safety of other families residing there.
Kerry TD Pa Daly said since May 1 there have been three additional cases confirmed, including a seven-year-old child, who has since moved with family to a self-isolation unit in Cork.
“Unfortunately, the demands by four of Kerry’s five TDs to have the centre closed have fallen on deaf ears,” Deputy Daly said.
“The residents continue to live in an infected environment and they are fearful,” he added.
The Sinn Fein TD said one resident asked him to make representations to the department to move families with children out of the area.
“Caherciveen now has over 25 per cent of all Covid-19 cases in direct provision centres. Clearly, this centre is not fit for purpose and it is not possible to control the virus in the Skellig Star hotel,” Deputy Daly insisted.
Meanwhile, Cllr Michael Cahill has been informed by the Health Service Executive that there are no plans, nationally or locally, to repeat universal testing in any residential centre.
The HSE’s public health department continues to monitor the situation and advise the Department of Justice, management, staff and residents in the centre on the control of infection.
Incredible value advertising to give your business the boost it needs right now: KillarneyToday.com is the 24/7 online news and advertising service provided by O’Mahony Media. More than 20,000 readers every day and 24,000 followers on Facebook
