The HSE has urged everyone living and working in Galway to continue with their efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Hospital and Community Health Services Managers in the West, together with their colleagues in Public Health, have reminded people about the importance of following public health advice.
“There is a significant and concerning increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported across counties Galway and Roscommon in particular,” said Dr Breda Smyth, HSE Director of Public Health for Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.
“Now more than ever we must double down on our efforts to contain the spread of this virus.
“We are appealing to everyone, but particularly communities across Galway and Roscommon, to continue with their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Dr Smyth urged young people to meet in small groups, stay apart and download the COVID Tracker app.
“Also, take additional precautions when visiting our older friends and family members,” she added.
“There is still time to get the virus back under control in these areas and stop the spread of this highly infectious disease in our communities.”
Tony Canavan, CEO Saolta University Health Care Group, said that we all know what we need to do to stay safe and protect those around us.
“Keep a 2m distance, reduce social contacts, wear a face mask, cover coughs and sneezes and stay at home and contact your GP if you start to feel unwell,” said Tony Canavan.
“We have seen worrying increases in the rate of COVID-19 in parts of our region and I am appealing to everyone on behalf of hospital services to follow the public health guidance.”
Chris Kane, Hospital Manager Galway University Hospitals added: “Our healthcare staff are the front line in the fight against COVID-19, particularly our ICU staff.
“We are doing all we can to ensure that we are in a position to treat both COVID-19 patients and non-COVID patients as safely as possible. We have worked really hard to reinstate elective procedures and clinics that were deferred because of COVID-19 earlier this year.
“We want to be able to continue to see and treat patients quickly and safely. As numbers increase in the community, the pressure on healthcare workers and frontline services intensifies.
“We need everyone to follow the HSE’s public health advice and help us maintain essential health services for the people of county Galway and the wider West and North West region.”
