Over 26,000 people tested for Covid-19 across Midlands, Louth and Meath this month

The HSE said today (Friday) that it had carried out over 26,000 tests for Covid-19 across the Midlands, Louth and Meath region in October to date.

It said this was more than six times the number of tests carried out at test centres across the region during the month of March (4,022).

The HSE Area Crisis Management Team for the Midlands, Louth and Meath has been meeting regularly during the pandemic and it said additional testing was now taking place, with testing centres open this weekend in Portlaoise, Tullamore, Mulingar, Ashbourne, Longford and Ardee.

The total number of tests carried out in Midlands Louth Meath since March now stands at 103,000

The HSE also stated that response teams were providing "ongoing support" to private nursing homes in the region.

Health services across the region will remain open, and no one should delay seeking advice from any healthcare professional if it's needed. Anyone with an appointment should presume their appointment is going ahead unless they are told otherwise.

"We know that this re-introduction of restrictions will be difficult for the people of the region. However, we also know that taking action now is in everyone’s best interests," said the Chair of the HSE Area Crisis Management Team, Pat Bennett.

"We know this is difficult, but we have suppressed this virus in the past and we can do it again if we work together."

Director of Public Health for the Midlands, Dr Una Fallon, appealed to the public to isolate at home if they have any symptoms of Covid-19, and to present for testing if they are asked to do so.

"It's more important than ever that anyone with any symptoms of Covid-19 isolates at home and phones their GP to arrange a test," she said.

Dr Fallon said there was a clear trend in recent weeks of outbreaks linked to various workplaces, and she reminded those designated as essential workers to make sure they are protecting themselves and others while at work.

"It's important to maintain a distance of two metres from others at all times, including at break times and while travelling to and from work.

"This is now even more important than ever for those designated as essential workers as they cannot continue their work if they become close contacts of confirmed cases," she said.

Trevor O’Callaghan, CEO of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group commented: "The growing number of Covid-19 cases, hospital and ICU admissions in recent of weeks is a real concern for us all, both professionally and personally.

"While it has been said time and time again, it is in our hands. It is so important we remain vigilant, adhere to Phase 5 restrictions and to act on Public Health advice to reduce the transmission of Covid-19."