Statement by Senator Mark Wall on special measures for Laois, Offaly and Kildare
Kildare South, Labour Senator Mark Wall has urged the public in Laois, Offaly and Kildare to heed the measures regarding the localised restrictions announced by Government today following a spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in the three counties.
Over 292 cases of Covid-19 have arisen in Laois, Offaly and Kildare in the last 14 days representing almost half of all cases detected in the country over that time.
He urged the public follow public health advice carefully be restricting their movements and to practice social distancing and good hand hygiene and coughing and sneezing etiquette carefully.
Senator Wall said:
“I know these measures will be difficult to adhere to, but we must follow them in order to suppress the spread of the virus. I would respectfully ask that we all adhere to the steps announced for the next two weeks.
“It is about saving lives that would otherwise be lost and to protect our parents, grandparents, relatives, friends and vulnerable people. Covid-19 knows no boundaries and it is vital that we do not allow uncontrolled transmission to take hold in our community.
“These measures will cause increased anxiety and worry amongst many people who are already struggling with their mental health. The HSE and Department of Health need to put in place a special phone line for people in the three counties to contact with any worries or queries they may have.
“There is also a need for all testing to take place locally. I have been contacted by constituents who have been asked to present at the Aviva in Dublin for testing over the weekend. That is not acceptable and an aggressive testing regime needs to be put in place across Laois, Offaly and Kildare with all testing taking place within the three counties.
“It is clear also that there have been institutional failures in relation to the latest outbreak of clusters in the Midlands and that the Government needs to take action including setting up a working group to examine working conditions at food processing factories where these clusters originated.
Senator Wall continued:
“We need to work together over the next two weeks to suppress the spread of the virus. It is not inevitable that the virus will spread further. We must rise to meet the challenge together and do our bit by adhering to the special measures.