The UL Hospitals Group is appealing to people in the Midwest not to become complacent with social distancing measures.
HSE figures show a drop in the rate of COVID-19 cases at University Hospital Limerick, something that has been welcomed by health professionals here.
But management are warning it too soon to become relaxed about restrictions, as Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill reports.
Last Friday, there were 34 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at University Hospital Limerick, with 45 suspected cases.
But by yesterday, HSE figures had fallen considerably, with 26 confirmed cases and 25 suspected.
The CEO of the UL Hospitals Group has welcomed the declining numbers, saying hospitals across the midwest are very busy, but remain in a stable state.
There are currently 13 vacant beds at the region’s main hospital, and 5 empty critical care beds, but Colette Cowan isn’t concerned about a shortage of capacity.
She believes the Coronavirus will be with us for some time, but says works are continuing to add bed capacity and to deal with additional numbers of patients.
Evidence has emerged that more and more people are beginning to move around and flout movement restrictions.
But the UL Hospitals Group’s Clinical Director of Medicine is warning that breaking the rules now would result in a surge in cases in two weeks time, just when people are hoping for restrictions to be eased.
Dr Catherine Peters, who’s also a Consultant Geriatrician says it’s too soon for people to become relaxed about the advice we’re being given.
The government has said it’s monitoring the situation and urging people to strictly adhere to the public health guidelines over the next 11 days.
Health Minister Simon Harris says it’s crucial people work together to suppress the spread of the virus.
Gardaí will be mounting an increased number of checkpoints at various locations across the county to ensure people are adhering to regulations.
Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer, Sergeant Triona Brooks has been telling Clare Fm’s Fiona Cahill that it’s important that everyone continues to play their part.
