Concerns at increase in Sligo Covid figures
COUNTY SLIGO, which consistently has been one of the better performers in terms of low numbers of Covid-19 cases, is now seeing an increase in cases of the virus.
Although actual figures remain unavailable, a senior health official for the North West has confirmed that there is “a small outbreak” of the virus in Sligo which is described as being linked to work and social events. Dr Anthony Breslin also confirmed issues in Donegal which had seen outbreaks. He said the HSE is concerned about the increases.
Meanwhile, Coolaney publican Annette McCormack, who opted to temporarily close the popular Happy Landing Pub in the village last weekend when a family member tested positive for Covid-19, will re-open the premises this Friday evening. Annette told the Sligo Weekender that she herself had a Covid-19 test on Sunday last at the walk-in centre in Finisklin and her results were negative. “I didn’t have to self-isolate and could have opened the pub at any time, I did it as a precaution” she said. Although she could have opted to re-open, she decided not to and was now looking forward to customers returning tomorrow evening.
“People here have been so supportive, the community has been terrific and while I found some of the advice on the HSE website initially slightly confusing, I must say when I spoke to officials they couldn’t have been more helpful.”
The local soccer team Coolaney United’s game against Carrick Town was cancelled last weekend. Noel Kennedy, secretary of the Sligo-Leitrim District Soccer League, in an email issued on Saturday confirming the game would not go ahead, stated that “due to Covid-19 issues and in the best interest of health and safety Coolaney United would be unable to field their team”. A game involving Coolaney’s Division 1 Gaelic football team due to take place last weekend was also called off, although no indication why the game was cancelled has been confirmed. Meanwhile, Dr Anthony Breslin, director of public health, North West, said the HSE is concerned about recent increases in Covid cases in the North West confirming that cases are being identified in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. While specific figures remain unavailable from the Department of Health due to the recent cyber attack, Dr Breslin, in a statement, said the increases here are a concern. The statement added that no Delta variant cases have been identified.
Dr Breslin asked people to follow the Covid guidance which is there to prevent infection. He said: “If you have symptoms please stay at home and get a test, do not socialise, and if you are a contact of a possible case please restrict your activity and get tested.”