The HSE has said it is concerned about recent increases in Covid cases in the North West.
In Donegal, for the last two weeks Covid cases notified have ranged from the late teens to early twenties with the odd jump.
These figures give a good indication of the levels of Coivd that is circulating in the community, says the HSE.
The HSE has identified a small number of cases which they say are linked to people who travelled from Donegal to Dublin last week for the mica related event by bus.
A spokesperson for the HSE said “The organisers followed Covid travel advice and so far we have not identified close contacts on the buses but if anyone was at the mica related event and develops symptoms they should get tested and restrict their activity.
“Last weekend in Letterkenny there was a gathering of car rally fans and the HSE said it expects that there will be more cases as a result.”
Dr Anthony Breslin, Director of Public Health, North West has asked people to follow the Covid guidance which is there to prevent infection he stated “If you have symptoms please stay at home and get a test, do not socialise, and if you are a contact of a possible case please restrict your activity and get tested too.”
So far no Delta variant cases have been identified.
Advice
The HSE would like to reiterate the symptoms of COVID-19 which include a fever (high temperature – 38 degrees Celsius or above), a new cough – this can be any kind of cough, not just dry, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties and loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this means you’ve noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal. You may not have all of these symptoms.
It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show. They can be similar to symptoms of cold and flu.
The close contact system is up and running and close contacts will be contacted by text with information on their appointment and are asked to follow the instructions in the text.
Full details of testing centres are available at hse.ie