A marked increase in the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases within the Athlone local electoral area has coincided with the decision taken by Government to move the country to Level 3 on the Plan for Living with the pandemic.
Recent figures released into the public domain courtesy of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC ) and Health Service Executive (HSE ) show that there were 16 new coronavirus cases confirmed within the Athlone local electoral area (Westmeath ) during the 14 day period from September 15-28.
This is a significant rise in numbers which now places the Athlone local electoral area (Westmeath ) as the highest rate of Covid-19 cases within the county.
In contrast, there were five confirmed Covid-19 cases confirmed during the same timeframe (September 15-28 ) within the Moate electoral area.
As the case numbers continue to spiral, Town Mayor, Cllr. Aengus O’Rourke, afforded his pertinent thoughts noting that the persistent presence of Covid-19 is the biggest health, social and economic emergency that the country has faced.
“While we are still learning and adjusting our lives in an attempt to halt the spread of Covid-19, we probably can all agree that we will be living with the consequences for many years to come.
The Town Mayor reflected upon the decision taken by the Government to move to Level 3 on the Plan for Living with Covid-19 (which came into effect at midnight ) and the restrictions which are detailed within.
“The Level 3 restrictions now in place across the country were inevitable and necessary. During the period of the first ‘lock-down’ from March through to summer, I only knew of one person with the virus in Athlone. In recent weeks I have learned of scores of cases, many who have had tests taken and scores of other people being informed they were ‘close contacts’ and in need of a Covid-19 test. The truth is, the virus is now very much prevalent from a local perspective. It is in Athlone, it is working its way through our society and we must respond to stop it,” Cllr. O’Rourke remarked.
The Town Mayor asserted the need to save lives as the virus shows no sign of abating, the impact upon the infirm and elderly to the fore of his thoughts.
“Our first responsibility must be to save lives and keep people safe, especially the infirm and the elderly. The biggest threat to life will be if our hospitals are overrun with more patients requiring intensive care than there are beds available.
“That is why it is so crucial that we follow the expert advice. We need to do all that buys our health system more time. Avoiding social contact is key. Work from home if you possibly can. Do not attend any gatherings. Attendance at parties of any kind are out of the question, wash your hands more than you need to, observe sneeze and cough etiquette and wear a mask. Only leave your home should you really need to do so, to buy food and other essential items, take a walk or exercise at a safe distance from others,” Cllr. O’Rourke emphasised.
The Town Mayor noted that the need for members of the local public to redouble their efforts is both vast and paramount at this time.
“We need to redouble our efforts, discuss it all over again with our children and family members and agree a strict approach to how we live our lives for the next three weeks. We can’t afford to be bouncing in and out of restrictions, our economy would fold and take years to recover if this were to become the norm. This three week period gives us a chance to supress the virus. Let us now take that chance and make it happen.
“My heart goes out to the many businesses affected again by these new measures. In particular our restaurants, pubs and hotels who are not long back in business and doing a great job in the main. To have to close once again is a massive blow.
“During this next three weeks please be ever mindful of the public health advice and protocols and with God’s help we will come through this period safely and successfully,” Cllr. O’Rourke concluded.
Key Level 3 Restrictions
All counties will be placed on Level 3 under the Plan for Living with Covid-19 for a three week period until midnight on October 27.
In this instance, the following restriction implications will be applicable.
• Visitors to private homes are limited to a maximum number of six persons from one other household
• No organised indoor gatherings should take place. Organised outdoor gatherings are permitted up to a maximum of 15 persons.
• Persons should remain within their county boundary with the exception of those who must travel for work, education or essential needs.
• Schools, early learning and childcare services to remain open. Adult and higher education institutions to review protective measures
• Religious services to take place online only
• Outdoor dining applicable to restaurants, cafes and pubs with takeaway service permitted
• All retail stores and shopping centres can remain open with strict adherence to sectoral guidance
• Limited elite sport, no fans permitted to attend and non-contact training in pods of 15 persons
