THE NUMBER of Covid-19 cases being reported in Donegal on a daily basis remains in the mid-twenties which has prompted health officials to urge the public not to become complacent as the reopening of the county continues.

The HSE hack means geographical breakdowns of Covid cases each day are no longer available from the Department of Health. To get an insight into the current situation we spoke to Dr Anthony Breslin, Public Health Specialist for the HSE North West, who confirmed that the figures remain generally in the mid-twenties with the Letterkenny area remaining high.

Dr Breslin said: “They are following the same sort of pattern as we have seen elsewhere previously. There are more cases around Letterkenny because it has a bigger population centre. There have been a few cases in schools but nothing to be too concerned about. We have had some cases coming out of family events. People need to stop having family events. It is one of our biggest challenges.”

 As schools begin to close and people start taking holidays the message remains clear – continue to follow the public health guidelines wherever you are.

“Yes the virus numbers have declined but it is still out there,” warned Dr Breslin “the risk is lower but there is still a risk and you can still spread and catch the infection.”

He said as shops and restaurants open people need to be social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands. This is especially important over the upcoming June bank holiday weekend when more people will be meeting up.

“We know the bank holiday weekend is coming up, we don’t know what the weather will be like and people will get together, but get together within reason and don’t take risks that will get people infected.”

In relation to people from Donegal travelling over the border to restaurants and bars Dr Breslin said the advice remains the same wherever you are going out.

“Just be careful, if you are in Derry, Strabane or Belfast, follow the guidelines in relation to social distancing and wearing a mask.”

He said the impact of vaccinations could already be seen with infection rates of health care staff in residential facilities and nursing homes plummeting.

“People are turning up for the vaccine and that is good. We are giving it as soon as we are getting it.”

He warned that there is a small percentage of people who do not want to get the vaccine, a small number who cannot get it for medical reasons and a small number who will get the vaccine but it will not take fully. For these reasons we must continue to take precautions to limit the spread of the virus.