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Public Health Department North East: Press Release - Louth & Meath

Public Health Department, HSE North East

 

19th October 2021: The Public Health Department North East are appealing to people in Louth and Meath to pay particular attention to public health advice due to concerns over an increase in COVID-19 cases in Louth and Meath during the past week.

 

In the latest figures, covering the 14 day incidence rate from 28/09/2021 to 11/10/2021, the highest LEA rates in Meath were electoral areas of Kells LEA with an incidence rate of 549.4 cases per 100,000 population, Navan LEA with an incidence rate of 543.9 cases per 100,000 population, Ratoath LEA with an incidence rate of 531.2 cases per 100,000 of population. The highest LEA rate in Louth was the electoral areas of Dundalk Carlingford LEA with an incidence rate of 500 cases per 100,000 population. These rates compare to a national incidence rate of 394.2/100,000 of population.

 

Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East, said: “The Department of Public Health North East continues to monitor COVID-19 epidemiological indicators to quickly detect, understand and communicate emerging issues and trends of concern in the region. Overall, in the North East Public Health department, there was a 42% increase in the number of cases notified to the department during week 41 compared to the previous week.”

 

“Over the last year and a half, we have all done our bit to keep each other safe, but COVID-19 remains prevalent in our communities. The incidence rates are rising again in our vulnerable population including amongst the elderly, which is beginning to result in increased hospital admissions.”

 

“While COVID-19 is still circulating in our communities, maintaining public health measures and individual protective practices will be crucial in slowing COVID-19 infection as well as other respiratory infections, to reduce the impact on our healthcare capacity. When the Public Health department has previously issued alerts, we have subsequently seen a reduction in COVID cases over the subsequent weeks. This was only possible because people heard the messages, and heeded our advice and took action.”