The Department of Public Health Mid-West is urging the public to not let down its guard in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as the countdown to Christmas approaches.
As per the Government’s announcement, Level 3 restrictions, with some variations came into effect last Tuesday and will last until January, with special arrangements for Christmas.
Dr Mai Mannix, Director of the Department of Public Health Mid-West, said that while restrictions have eased, the public can still exercise the same precautionary measures in the coming weeks by following the core public health guidelines; limiting social contacts, keeping a physical distance of two metres, wearing a mask, frequently washing hands, and adhering to proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
“Though we are seeing a reasonably low incidence rate in the Mid-West at present, our team is still in the process of managing and controlling complex outbreaks and clusters in healthcare facilities, long-term residential care settings, extended families, private households, and among the student population,” she stated.
Dr Mannix added, “We can prevent such outbreaks if we follow public health guidelines. Our priority is to ensure the people of the Mid-West enjoy a safe and healthy Christmas period after what has been an extremely difficult year. By following the guidelines, we can protect our most vulnerable and lessen the burden on our health service.”
