WITH senior public health officials expressing “very significant concern” about the number of new Covid-19 cases and the rise in the number of sufferers being admitted to hospital nationally, it has emerged that another 1,580 positive cases were confirmed in Kerry in the 14-day period up to Monday last.
And, as in recent weeks, the Killarney municipal district was one of the real blackspots in the county for confirmed infection rates.
There were 414 new cases diagnosed in Killarney in the two-week period which represents an incidence rate of 1,398.3 per100,000 population.
County capital Tralee, with a much bigger population, had 488 cases, Listowel had 267, the Kenmare electoral area had 156 confirmed cases, Castleisland had 153 and Corca Dhuibhne – which includes Dingle – had 102.
Responding to the latest surge in cases nationally, Department of Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, said the country is in a very uncertain and unstable position due to the high incidence of the disease which is driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant.
4,115 additional cases were confirmed today with 511 Covid patient snow in hospital and 110 in intensive care.
“This is a matter of very significant concern as we wait for more evidence relating to the Omicron variant and the impact it may have to emerge,” Dr Holohan said.
He added that early indications suggest that a booster dose of the vaccine will offer good protection against infection from Delta and Omicron.
“We are all aware that this day two weeks is Christmas Eve, a time of year when we all look forward to coming together with friends and family.
“You can take measures today and in the next few days that will ensure the safest possible interaction with your loved ones over Christmas,” he said.
He urged people to assess the environments they plan to be in over the next two weeks to consider if the required protection is available.
Dr Holohan reiterated his plea to people to avoid crowds and reduce contacts, wear a mask, including in crowded outdoor environments, keep a distance and avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
