Dr Anthony Breslin, Director of Public Health for the north west has warned people not to let their guard down as the virus remains very prevalent across all areas of the county but particularly Letterkenny and Inishowen.

Speaking to the Donegal News yesterday Dr Breslin said Donegal’s incidence rate is 1,000 cases per 100,000 of the population compared to the national average of 500 per 100,000. Along the Donegal/Derry border rates are higher and other border counties such as Cavan and Monaghan are also experiencing high rates of the virus given their proximity to the north.

“Numbers in Donegal are still very high with about 130 to 150 cases being reported some days,” said Dr Breslin.

“All over Donegal the numbers are high but it gets higher once you hit Letterkenny.

“Even though people are vaccinated they still need to take all the precautions.

“The vaccine stops you getting very ill but it doesn’t stop you picking up or transmitting the virus.”

He said everyone, including those who are double-jabbed, must continue to social distance, wash hands and wear a mask.

Dr Breslin said they are seeing a lot of outbreaks connected to workplaces because people with symptoms are going to work and companies are not following the guidelines.

He said this is leading to businesses having to close because all of their staff are close contacts.

“If you have any symptoms get yourself tested and do not go to work,” warned Dr Breslin.

“There are small numbers who haven’t got the vaccine and we are saying to them go and get it, it’s working and it’s safe.”

Social gatherings are also contributing to the county’s high Covid numbers as people are letting their guard down once they are vaccinated.

Asked about the return of schools in a matter of weeks Dr Breslin said we are now in a very different position to last year and even compared to Spring because second level students and teachers have been offered the vaccine.

He said we are now looking at a very different picture but health officials will be keeping a close eye on the situation when schools return.