'Positive' meeting on Donegal's high Covid rates People in border areas have been urged to follow Covid restrictions. Picture Margaret by McLaughlin Paul Ainsworth Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly THE Republic's health minister has described a meeting about Donegal's high rate of Covid infections as "very positive". Stephen Donnelly spoke with local political representatives, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and his deputy Ronan Glynn at the weekend. Donegal has a 14-day incidence rate of almost 300 infections per 100,000 people, compared to an average of 127 across the state. Northern Ireland's seven-day rolling figure is just 34 per 100,000. The figures have been attributed to “persistent and unfortunately reasonably widespread non-compliance of measures", including birthday parties and social events linked to funerals.