HEALTH service staff in Kerry and Cork spent the weekend and this Monday tracing people who may have been in contact with a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 in Cork University Hospital.
They are working to identify people who have been in close contact with anybody confirmed with coronavirus to ensure they get appropriate public health advice.
The HSE said the initial confirmed case of COVID-19 in CUH on Thursday has inevitably led to disruption to appointments and visiting arrangements and it has also led to a follow-on impact on other services.
“We wish to thank the public for their understanding and support at this time of unavoidable disruption,” a spokesperson said.
Director of Public Health with the HSE South, Dr Augustine Pereira, remarked: “We aim to contact trace and communicate with everyone as quickly as possible. If people do not hear directly from us, they do not need to be concerned.”
CEO of the South South West Hospital Group, Gerry O’Dwyer, said there has been no option but to restrict visiting at hospitals and to cancel some appointments.
“We appreciate how difficult this can be for patients and their loved ones and we wish to thank them for their understanding,” he remarked.
The HSE also expressed thanks to staff in all areas of the service who have been working constantly to allow health services locally to respond to current events and prepare for the challenges ahead.
“We know that there are challenging times ahead, but with your continued commitment, dedication and hard work that we will meet those challenges,” Mr O’Dwyer added.
The public has been reminded that the most important steps that can be taken are
* Wash our hands, thoroughly and regularly for at least 20 seconds
* Stop the spread of infections by covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, either with a tissue or your arm.
* Go to HSE.ie/coronavirus for the best and most current information as the situation evolves. If you have particular concerns, you can ring HSE Live on 1850-24-1850.
© KillarneyToday.com is the 24/7 online news service provided by O’Mahony Media
Advertise for 2020 and ensure your message reaches 18,000 readers every day, over 300,000 viewers every month and over 23,000 followers on Facebook
