20 June 2021
Sinn Féin’s representative for West Waterford Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness has commented on the emerging situation in the area and has appealed for people to double down on the basic public health precautions. He also called on the HSE to open a test centre in Dungarvan to help address the situation locally.
McGuinness said:
I am aware of an apparent cluster of cases emerging in West Waterford and I am in ongoing contact with the HSE through the Regional Health Forum.
“My thoughts are with those affected. It is a very worrying time, and my heart goes out to those who have become unwell. I wish them a speedy recovery.
“I would appeal for people to respect the privacy of those involved, and the HSE are keen to underscore the very basic safety messages – observe social distancing and avoid crowded spaces; wash or sanitise your hands regularly; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; wear a mask in public indoor spaces; and clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that may be touched by others.
“Testing is underway. Unfortunately this is only taking place in Waterford City, which is placing an additional difficulty on families on what is already a worrying time. I have asked the HSE to open localised test centres precisely for incidents of this nature, however Government has declined to take this approach.
“I want to commend the businesses locally that have taken the decision to close temporarily as a precaution. It comes as a blow to them given the economic hardship of the past 18 months but its the right thing to do.”
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 