C-19 outbreak at direct provision centre in Cahersiveen

THE National Public Health Emergency Team has informed local councillors that all public health measures have been followed at the Skellig Star Direct Provision Centre in Cahersiveen where it emerged at the weekend that there is an outbreak of COVID-19.

The HSE has refused to comment on the situation, citing privacy, but local councillors and the local business community have received confirmation that there has been four confirmed cases at the centre which houses 98 asylum seekers.

The emergence of COVID-19 cases in the centre has caused anger and upset in the local community given many residents are on the streets despite the outbreak.

Cllr Norma Moriarty, who has sought clarity amid anger about secrecy surrounding the situation met via teleconference with Chief Officer of HSE Cork Kerry Group, Dr Ger Reaney and Dr Ann Sheahan Director of Public Health with the NPHET on Monday evening.

They stated that all contact tracing had taken place and anyone who had come in contact with affected cases had been isolated. Those who did not come in contact with the direct cases were to follow the same restrictions as the general public who have not been in contact with a case.

“The NPHET are satisfied with the measures taken,” said Cllr Norma Moriarty.

Currently all asylum seekers are being tested at the residential centre in Cahersiveen under new guidelines released at the weekend to ensure priority testing for all residential centres, including nursing homes and Direct Provision centres.

Chairperson of the Cahersiveen Community and Chamber Alliance, Jack Fitzpatrick, said there is a lot of fear in the community that more cases could emerge as full isolation is not imposed. He called for a full lock-down until all testing is complete. This however is not what the NPHET is recommending.

“We heard it by rumour and then met with management. There is no openness and transparency with the community,” he said.

The Department of Justice, which is responsible for Direct Provision Centres, said that the safety of the residents is a priority.