The Lifford-Stranorlar Local Electoral Area (LEA) now has Ireland’s seventh highest Covid-19 incidence rate, new figures show.
There is cautious optimism after Covid-19 case figures decreased in every electoral area of Donegal in the past two weeks.
Six of the seven areas now have incidence rates lower than the national average.
The Lifford-Stranorlar region remains at above-average levels. The LEA recorded 147 new cases of the virus between 26th January and 8th February, down from 185 in the last two weeks, while the 14 day incidence rate is now 568 per 100,000.
Ireland’s average 14-day incidence rate was 319 per 100,000 population the time of the analysis.
The Milford area has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.
The incidence rate in Milford LEA is now below average. There 40 new cases in the past two weeks- down from 72 in the previous period.
Case numbers are continuing to fall in the Letterkenny LEA. There were 75 new cases in the area up to 8th February. The 14-day incidence rate now stands at 252 per 100,000.
Confirmed cases are down again in the Inishowen peninsula.
Carndonagh/North Inishowen has Donegal’s lowest figures. There 30 new cases in the past two weeks- down from 37 in the previous period. The area’s 14-day incidence rate has decreased again to 177 per 100,000.
The last two weeks saw confirmed cases falling also in the Buncrana/South Inishowen region, which had a 14 day incidence rate of 183 per 100,000. There were 41 new cases of the virus detected in South Inishowen in the past two weeks.
Case numbers have also reduced in the West Donegal Glenties LEA. With 57 new detections (down from 91 in the previous analysis), the 14-day incidence rate is 238 per 100,000.
The Donegal LEA recorded 84 new cases in the past two weeks – down from 116 – and a new 14-day incidence rate of 317 per 100,000.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said the national picture is a positive sign.
Speaking last night, Dr Glynn commented: “We are cautiously optimistic about the epidemiological situation across the country. This positive momentum has been achieved through the dedication of people across the country in recent weeks.
“However, incidence and mortality rates are still very high, and the significant risk of community transmission of the virus remains, especially for those most vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. It is of vital importance that people continue to stay at home and to work from home where at all possible.”
Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said: “In the last week, the HSE has begun to test close contacts of confirmed cases. This is a positive move as it clearly shows that we are back in the containment phase of this pandemic. However, the positivity rates among household contacts are quite high, close to 30%.
“This is a timely reminder to us all to immediately isolate ourselves if we have any symptoms, to protect those most important to us. We should also continue to limit our social contacts. Do not visit another person’s household unless you are providing essential care.”
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