HSE probe suspected Delta variant cases in Athlone

The HSE is investigating a number of suspected Delta variant cases of Covid-19 linked to socialising in Athlone over a week ago.

In a statement this evening (Monday), it said the Department of Public Health in the Midlands is investigating cases of Covid-19 in the Athlone area that may be the Delta variant. The suspected cases have not yet been confirmed by Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).

“These cases are associated with socialising down by the river on Friday, June 11th. It is not clear how transmission occurred. It may be that social distancing advice was not adhered to and there have been reports of house parties that night”.

It continues: “The importance of this is that the Delta variant is very transmissible and those who are not fully vaccinated may be at risk of infection. Those who are particularly vulnerable need to continue to protect themselves against Covid-19 until they have been fully vaccinated”.

If you were socialising in Athlone on Friday, June 11, and you think you may have been exposed to Covid-19, you are asked to attend one of the HSE Covid-19 testing centres.

Alternatively, there will be a pop-up, walk-in testing centre in St Aloysius College Athlone, on Thursday, June 24th, Friday, June 25th and Saturday, June 26th from 10am to 4pm daily. This will be open to children and adults. Please bring identification with you.

Covid-19 symptoms can be as mild as a runny nose so please be very vigilant, the HSE is urging the public.

People with symptoms are advised to contact your GP, not to go to work, to restrict their movements, and arrange a Covid-19 test. You can book a test here.

Health authorities are stressing the need to minimise the spread of Delta variant in Ireland until the majority of people, and especially those who are most at risk, are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, a possible Delta variant case of Covid-19 in an Offaly school is under investigation by health authorities.

“There is a case of Covid-19 in a county Offaly school that may be the Delta variant. This was determined by random screening. It is not confirmed but will be treated as a probable variant of concern,” a HSE statement over the weekend says.

“A cluster of cases in another class in the same school did not screen as the Delta variant,” it stresses.

On Monday morning there were no confirmed Covid-19 cases in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, according to the Saolta Group.