A number of services at Inishowen Disability Services have been forced to close because of a Covid outbreak.
The increasing number of cases of the virus amongst staff, residents and day services attendees has resulted in a number of services being closed and/or reduced further to Public Health and Infection Prevention Control advice.
The incidence of COVID-19 in the Inishowen area remains significantly above the national average with high rates of community transmission ongoing which is considered to be a risk for all in the area.
Individual service users and their families have been contacted where their service has been affected by the response required to manage the COVID-19 cases safely and effectively.
The situation is being monitored with the Public Health and Infection Prevention Control departments of the HSE.
A HSE spokesperson confirmed “These closures are temporary in the first instance, but are required from a Public Health and IPC perspective until we assess the extent and impact of the current confirmed cases associated with these Day Services.
“It is always a last resort to have to restrict or close services. Disability Services affected by the COVID-19 cases will reopen as soon as clearance is given by the Public Health and Infection Prevention Control departments.
“The HSE will work with all stakeholders in managing this situation to keep service users, staff, families and the wider community as protected as possible from the COVID virus.
“The HSE regret the impact the situation has on those who use its services and will endeavour to reinstate services as soon as possible. Service users and their families will be kept up to date as the situation evolves.
“The HSE reminds all to follow the Public Health guidance, to maintain their guard and avail of vaccination in protecting themselves and others against the COVID-19 virus.”
