One in 10 test positive for Covid

One in ten Meath residents have tested positive for Covid-19, as record levels of Covid-19 sweep across the country, leaving businesses and workplaces struggling to cope.

According to the HSE North East, over the last two weeks, one in every 10 people in both Meath and Louth have tested positive , mainly the Omicron variant. On Monday night there were 71 Covid patients in hospital locally – 56 in Drogheda and 15 in Navan with four in intensive care in Drogheda and two in Navan. This morning (Wednesday) there were almost 928 people in hospital with Covid-19 across the country, as pressure remains on the PCR test system.

Of these, there were 94 patients in ICUs with the virus.

The Department of Health reported a further 21,302 cases of Covid-19. Worker shortages caused by close contact rules and the prevalence of the virus have seen local businesses struggling, with the Bank of Ireland in Navan closed last Thursday and Friday due to staff absences.

According to a HSE statement, “The highest number of cases in the North East have also been reported in people aged between 20 and 40 years of age.

“We need everyone in our community to help limit the spread of Covid-19 so that our most vulnerable are protected and our hospitals can function properly.

“In addition to lowering your contacts, the best way to protect yourself, your friends and your family is to attend for vaccination.”