Covid-19 rates in Newbridge area nearly double the national average Reporter: '); Three towns in County Kildare had Covid-19 infection rates which were above the national average, according to the latest data. The local electoral areas (LEA) of Newbridge, Kildare town and Maynooth have higher case numbers per head of population than most other areas around the country over a two week period. The rate per 100,000 of the population nationwide was 201.2 cases for the two week period up to March 1. Newbridge had 128 cases or a rate per 100,000 of the population of 360.7 - almost double the national average. High levels 330.7 per 100,000 population.