BREAKING: New record number of confirmed Covid-19 cases reported in Limerick
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THE 14-day-incidence rate of Covid-19 in Limerick has surged to nearly 500 (per 100,000 population) after more than 200 new confirmed cases were reported this Thursday.
While 203 new cases have been reported in Limerick - the highest daily figure to date - the National Public Health Emergency Team says it is aware of further confirmed cases that have not been formally reported yet.
A total of 965 cases have been confirmed in Limerick over the past fortnight and the incidence rate is now 495.1 - up from 250.4 a week ago (Christmas Eve).
Hundreds fail to attend Covid appointments at Limerick test centres over Christmas
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MORE than 700 people failed to attend appointments for Covid-19 tests in Limerick over the Christmas period, the HSE has revealed.
Figures released by the Department of Public Health Mid West show that 715 people did not show up for appointments between Christmas Eve and December 28 (Monday).
Two test centres were in operation in Limerick over the five days - one at the former Wickes store, Ballysimon Road and a pop up centre on the campus of St Joseph s Hospital.
According to the figures, 140 people failed to attend on Christmas Eve. The figure was six on Christmas Day, 135 on St Stephen s Day, 232 on Sunday and 202 on Monday.
A full Level 5 lockdown is on the cards before the new year, as the Cabinet meets today over “galloping” Covid figures.
The Government is likely to close all non-essential shops and services, reintroduce 5km restrictions, and extend the UK travel ban.
People may be asked to leave their home only for exercise or essential purposes, although one minister insisted that the prolonged closure of schools had not been considered. Gyms and other fitness facilities are likely to close.
It comes as primary school teachers’ union, the INTO called for schools to remain shut until Monday, January 11, at the earliest because of the “alarming increase” in Covid cases.